In cultured human cells (Chang, liver) labeled thymidine is incorporated during short labeling periods into a cytoplasmic DNA, presumably located in the mitochondria, with a buoyant density of 1.688 g/ml (nuclear DNA main band 1.700 g/ml). This DNA is apparently metabolically labile and becomes completely delabeled after a chasing period of approximately three cell generations. During such a chase period an increasing amount of radioactive label appears in closed circular duplex DNA (buoyant density 1.706 g/ml). Pulse ([Me‐3H]thymidine)–chase–pulse ([2‐14C]‐thymidine) experiments suggest that the “light cytoplasmic” DNA is a precursor of the closed circular duplex DNA. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved