1.Root tips ofAllium cepawere treated for varying periods of time in nucleic acid solution and the effects noted.2.When necessary, recovery experiments were performed in Knop's solution and observed after 24, 48 and 72 hrs. interval3..01% Nucleic acid solution cause the induction of division in differentiated cells. Their polyploid condition too has been brought out.4.In addition to induction of division, somatic reduction too in certain cases have been noted.5.The interpretation of Huskins as regards the problem of differentiation has been discussed.6.Induction of division and somatic reduction, their origin have been considered through changes brought about in the nucleic acid metabolism of the cell.