Simultaneous Measurements of DNA Synthesis and DNA Methylation in Higher Organisms

Abstract

Different ways for studying DNA synthesis and DNA methylation were investigated. On the one hand the reactions were measured by incorporation of several specific precursors, taking into ac­ count that pool alterations might influence the results. The best way to avoid this is the direct conversion of DNA cytosine to DNA 5-methyl-cytosine by using [¹⁴C]-cytidine. According to our results we propose to calculate the correct DNA methylation rate in term of the specific radio­ activity of the separated DNA bases