Early alterations in normal semiconservative and repair DNA synthesis were determined in gastrointestinal tissues of Ha/CR mice following administration of the colon carcinogen 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Following DMH injections of 60 and 200 mg/kg, normal DNA synthesis was rapidly inhibited in all tissues. The greatest depressions were observed in the descending colon, followed closely by the ascending colon. DNA repair was estimated by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis. No repair was observable in the descending or ascending colon. The esophagus, forestomach, jejunum, and ileum demonstrated significant amounts of DNA repair, while the duodenum and gastric stomach displayed nominal or insignificant amounts of repair. Repair DNA synthesis was inhibited by simultaneous administration of caffeine and DMH.