Synthesis and Metabolism of DNA and DNA Precursors by Human Normal and Leukemic Leukocytes

The synthesis of DNA and the metabolism and synthesis of DNA precursor compounds in human leukocytes are reviewed. Despite the difficulties from in-complete information on leukocytes only data from leukocyte systems have been employed. Emphasis is placed on: (1) control mechanisms; (2) pathways and enzymes that appear to be the most relevant to chemotherapy of leukemia; (3) some of the technical problems and difficulties in interpretation of data in a heterogeneous cellular system; (4) enzymatic quantitative changes during leukocyte maturation; (5) the control and alternate routes for synthesis of thymidylate, the key DNA precursor; and (6) on recent information, particularly regarding DNA polymerase(s)