Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in mammalian systems. Permealysed Ehrlich ascites cells in vitro first label Okazaki-type low-molecular-weight deoxyribonucleic acid and then high-molecular-weight deoxyribonucleic acid.

During the evaluation of a method of preparing permealysed Ehrlich ascites cells, shortterm labelling experiments were carried out with d[(3)H]TTP. In the first minute the bulk of the label appeared as low-molecular-weight pieces of DNA. Subsequently the label appeared in DNA of much higher molecular weight. A brief description of the preparation procedure and the properties of the product is provided. Evidence is presented to show that the nucleotide was incorporated directly without intermediate conversion into dTMP or thymidine.