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I. Transfer of DNA from Parent to Progeny Cell. II. A Study of the Possible Role of DNA in Viral RNA Synthesis During the Multiplication of an Animal Virus

Citation

Simon, Edward Harvey (1960) I. Transfer of DNA from Parent to Progeny Cell. II. A Study of the Possible Role of DNA in Viral RNA Synthesis During the Multiplication of an Animal Virus. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/BXYZ-JC05. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08012006-111349

Abstract

This work considered two approaches to the general problem of information transfer between molecules. The first approach dealt with one aspect of the mechanism of deoxyribosenucleic acid (DNA) reproduction. In 1953 Watson and Crick proposed a structure of DNA which more recent work has essentially confirmed. The key postulate of the Watson-Crick structure is that DNA consists of two complementary chains of which either one may serve as a template for the formation of the other. This structure suggested three general models for DNA reproduction. In this work a test was devised to distinguish among these models by labeling cellular DNA with the thymine analog 5-bromouracil for one and/or two cell divisions. The results indicate that the semi-conservative model for the DNA replication originally proposed by Watson and Crick is valid for mammalian DNA. The second approach considers the problem of whether in RNA-containing animal viruses the RNA is able to reproduce itself without interaction with cellular DNA. Various methods were used which either prevented the synthesis of DNA or led to the synthesis of abnormal DNA during the growth of the RNA-containing virus. These experiments led to the conclusion that viral RNA is able to multiply without interaction with newly synthesized DNA and probably without interacting with pre-existing cellular DNA.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Biology)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Dulbecco, Renato
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1960
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-08012006-111349
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08012006-111349
DOI:10.7907/BXYZ-JC05
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:2994
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:18 Aug 2006
Last Modified:09 Nov 2023 00:03

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