Nucleic Acids in Erythrocytic Stages of a Malaria Parasite

Abstract

ACTIVE metabolism of nucleic acids appears to be closely associated with the process of protein synthesis; this association is seen particularly in rapidly growing and multiplying cells¹. It would be expected, then, that the rapid growth of Plasmodium berghei in red cells of the mouse would involve the active metabolism of nucleic acids. This organism, therefore, is being used for the study of nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis, both by conventional biochemical methods and by ultra-violet spectrophotometry². The amount and nature of the nucleic acids found in the erythrocytic stages of the parasites, as outlined in this communication, has been determined as a preliminary to the examination of erythrocytes infected with different stages of the parasite, and of the action of mitotic inhibitors on the nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis of the parasites.