Using monodispersed cell suspensions, interferon preparations were shown to have both a lethal and a growth-depression effect in the same concentration range as that required for antiviral activity. In addition, synchronized cells treated with interferon respond by delaying their normal uptake of thymidine during S phase until after a period during which new protein is synthesized. Puromycin added during this period prevents both the synthesis of this protein and the subsequent synthesis of DNA.