Effect of Metrazol upon Membrane Potential and Rate of Locomotion in Amoeba proteus ∗

Abstract

Summary

While under constant observation, the membrane potential and rate of locomotion of Amoeba proteus have been determined under normal conditions and in the presence of 1.75 × 10⁻⁴ m Metrazol. The membrane potential was changed from a normal average of —40.7 to —29.1 mV, and the rate of pseudopodal extension increased from a normal average of 1820 to 4080 μ3 per second. The possible significance of these changes are considered in relation to other reports upon Metrazol action and protozoan behavior.