Structure of Nucleic Acid in the Dividing Cell

Abstract

RECENTLY Donovan and Woodhouse¹ advanced a speculation on the nature of the chemical structure which is the essence of the malignant cell. Their idea is the formulation of a molecule in the chromosome capable of splitting into two similar symmetrical portions, and this is envisaged specifically as a nucleic acid linked through pyrophosphoric acid to nucleotide groups. It is a moot point whether or not they are justified in regarding nucleic acid as the ‘master constituent’ to the exclusion of other known nuclear components. In this communication, however, it is desired to emphasize certain points concerning the chemistry of nucleic acids which arise from their communication.