The film demonstrates the role of molecular structure in determining biological activity. Correlation of the structure and biological activity of sulfanilamide with a vitamin essential for bacterial growth leads to a more general investigation of the biochemical nature of growth. Paper chromatography is used to separate some of the compounds which make up human cells. It is proposed that compounds similar to those found in cell chromosomes may stop cell growth and thus be useful in controlling cancer. The technique of time-lapse micro-photography is used to demonstrate the effect of one such compound, 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), on cancer cells.
Collaborator: Dr. Donald E. Rounds, Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research, Pasadena, California.