Effect of histones from brain on DNA-synthesis in vitro

The results of these experiments demonstrate that histones from brain inhibit the replication of DNA in vitro. A similar effect is observed with polylysine or polyarginine. The reversion of inhibition by polyglutamic acid or acidic proteins is completed in all cases except when the DNA is previously complexed with histones, polyarginine or polylysine. This suggest that histones masking of DNA towards the polymerases involves electrostatic forces.