Loading of human red blood cells with DNA and RNA

Human erythrocytes were suspended in Hank's solution containing mammalian or viral DNA or RNA. After dialysis at 0 degrees C first against water and subsequently against Hank's solution, and a further incubation at 37 degrees C, the erythrocytes were found to be loaded with the nucleic acids. The nucleic acid trapped in the erythrocytes exhibited up to 35 per cent of the external concentration.