[Use of the reaction product of beta-alanine and formaldehyde in the kinetic method of determining defects in secondary structure].

It is shown that the kinetics of DNA despiralization in the presence of beta-alanine--formaldehyde reaction product (beta-ALA-FORM) can be described in terms of theory of DNA despiralisation by "slowly reacting agents". Conditions are determined in which beta-ALA-FORM product can be used to establish the concentration of defects in DNA secondary structure. Possible advantages are discussed of using the new agent in the kinetic method of determining DNA defects as compared to formaldehyde, in particular in analysis of DNA complexes with proteins. The data obtained throw some light on the nature of the interaction between beta-alanine and formaldehyde in slightly acidic solutions and with the excess of aminoacid.