THE NATURE OF THE ACTION OF IONS AS INDUCTORS

Abstract

1. A comparison of the effects of ions as inductors, on the one hand, and on destabilization of proteins and DNA, on the other, shows a lack of correspondence as regards the effectiveness of various ions. 2. A comparison of the effects of various monovalent and divalent cations as inductors with their effects on the electrophoretic mobility of DNA reveals a close correspondence as regards the effectiveness of the ions. 3. An hypothesis of the nature of the effect of cations as inductors is presented. Cations act to combine with the phosphate groups of DNA, thereby removing it from the inhibiting action of histones. 4. A possible interpretation of the action of proteins as inductors by increasing the intracellular concentration of cations is offered.