DNP samples isolated from the cells of calf thymus and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma of mice were examined. SH-groups of histone H3 of chromatin from these cells were titrated with mercury-containing spin label and with DTNB under joint action of different salt and sarcosyl concentrations on DNP. The results revealed differences in accessibility and titration of histone H3 SH-groups in DNP of normal and tumor cells with DTNB, as well as in molecular dynamics of the mercury-containing spin label introduced to these SH-groups.