Effect of Vitamin B 12 on Nucleic Acid Metabolism of the Rat ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. The amounts of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the livers of rats fed a vit. B₁₂ deficient diet were significantly lower per g of fresh or of dry liver or of liver nitrogen than those for the supplemented rats. No difference was observed, however, in the amounts of RNA and DNA per cell for the deficient or supplemented rats. The amount of nucleic acids per g of spleen or kidney was the same Spherule Antigen and Complement Fixation for the deficient and supplemented group. 2. Other studies indicated that the rates of incorporation of N 15 glycine into the purines of RNA were lower for the deficient animals. 3. These studies suggest that in a vit. B₁₂ deficiency the reduced rate of nucleic acid synthesis in the liver reduced the rate of cell divisions.