[The absence of DNA methylase activity in Drosophila cells]

DNA methylase activity has been studied in partially purified extracts from cultured cells, embryos, and adult Drosophila flies. No significant level of transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosylmethionine with formation of 5-methylcytosine and 6-methyladenine was observed. Methylase activity in Drosophila cells as compared to bovine lymphocytes and rat liver is either absent or at least 5000-15,000 times lower and hence cannot be detected using the present method.