[Effect of formaldehyde on the enzymatic activity of RNAase A]

Even a small amount of formaldehyde is shown to induce a drop in the RNase A enzymatic activity. This drop is rapid from the start and then begins to be slower. A supposition was made on nature of the enzyme activity. Comparison of the effects of formaldehyde on the enzymatic and the destabilizing activity of RNase A was made. The effect of formaldehyde on the enzymatic activity does not correlate with its effect on the ability of RNase to destabilize the DNA double helix.