Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University.Nucleic acids form major portions of the genes and mitochondria and seem of primary importance in both normal and abnormal growth, in heredity and reproduction, and in the determination of the chemical and biochemical properties of the individual cell (25, 28). Alterations in the nucleo-protein of genes are probably directly involved in carcinogenesis and radiotherapy. A knowledge of the exact nature of these changes implies the possibility of insight into means for their prevention and/or reversal. [TRUNCATED