Variations in the phosphate content of histone F1 in normal and irradiated tissues.

1. The capacity of the histone-DNA complex to act as a template for RNA synthesis is increased by phosphorylation of histone F1. 2. In regenerating liver, DNA synthesis is preceded by phosphorylation of histone F1. 3. Exposure to ionizing radiation in vivo decreases and delays the phosphorylation of histone F1 in regenerating liver, and decreases it in the hyperplastic kidney. 4. Histone F1 is phosphorylated to a greater extent in dividing than in resting tissues.