DNA Polymerase Activity in Extracts of the Developing Chick Skin and Down Feather Organ.

Abstract
DNA polymerase and DNase activities were measured in extracts prepared from embryonic chick skins obtained between 5 and 14 days after incubation was begun. A correlation of polymerase activity and stage of development of the feather organ was found. Maxima of polymerase occurred concommitant with stages of feather germ outgrowth and feather elongation. Neutral DNase activity increased somewhat but this increase was not sufficient to alter the DNA polymerase kinetics. Acid DNase activity reached a maximum during the resorption of mesodermal pulp.