The Effect of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde on the Swelling of Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Salt Solutions and Their Interactions with Amines and Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

Summary

A mixture of 1.0 mole of ethylenediamine and 2.0 moles of formaldehyde cause a rapid swelling of cell of Pseudomonas aeruginosa shrunk in 0.2 M Na chloride or phosphate. It is much more effective than formaldehyde alone. A similar mixture of spermidine and formaldehyde is less effective, and the spermine-formaldehyde mixture inhibits swelling. Low concentrations of ethanolamine antagonize the effect of the ethylenediamine mixture as well as that of other agents which increase swelling rates. Ethylamine is inactive. Carboxylic acids also antagonize the effect of the ethylenediamine mixture as well as other agents. Low concentrations of the mixture which are by themselves without effect act synergistically with formaldehyde, butyl alcohol and chloroform.