Action of sarcolysin on the macromolecular structure of DNA

High sensitivity of the temperature dependence of the characteristic viscosity of DNA to the brief action of small doses of sarcolysin has been demonstrated. It is postulated on the basis of these results that the primary action of sarcolysin on the molecular structure of DNA may be expressed by weakening of the phosphoester bonds with the subsequent formation of single breaks in the polynucleotide chains of DNA.