CHANGES IN THE PHYSICAL STATE OF DNA DURING THE REPLICATION CYCLE

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Abstract
Evidence is presented which suggests that a considerable proportion of the total DNA of E. coli can be isolated in states differing from native DNA in bouyant density and the molecules in the early replication stages are found in these states rather than in the native state. Thus, contrary to the theory of Watson and Crick that unwinding of DNA strands might occur simultaneously with replications, the author''s observations suggest that the native helical configuration of DNA is altered at some time prior to replication, thereby allowing the strands to act as templates for the synthesis of new DNA.