Inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli M.R.E. 600 by six different metal salts was accompanied by a greater decrease in the synthesis of RNA than in that of protein. The action of cobalt chloride was exceptional; inhibited cells made an excess of RNA to an extent depending on the concentration of Co2+, the time of incubation and the concentration of Mg2+ in the medium. Preferential synthesis of RNA in the presence of cobalt chloride was not confined to E. coli but occurred to various extents in some, but not all, of the other micro-organisms that were tested. Possible reasons for the special effect of Co2+ are discussed.
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