The reduction of chromate is a prerequisite of chromium binding to cell nuclei.

Isolated calf thymus nuclei bound a chromium(III) glutathione complex in a time-dependent manner. In contrast chromium(VI) (sodium chromate) did not bind. However, when chromate was incubated with the nuclei in the presence of glutathione, chromium adducts were detected. These observations indicate that the reduction of chromate, by a reducing agent such as glutathione, is a prerequisite for the generation of bonds between the metal and constituents of the cell nuclei in vitro. Chromium adducts with nuclei are probably one cause of DNA lesions and mutations.