Abstract
The specific structure and characteristic properties of the pellicle of Amoeba verrucosa may be demonstrated in the living animals by means of microdissection and injection. A high degree of resistance to mechanical pressure is exhibited by the pellicle when subjected to compression. Perforation of the pellicle without indentation of this layer can be effected only with needles having extremely fine points. Withdrawal of a needle after penetration carries the pellicle out into a long coneshaped process, loss of endoplasm being prevented by the rapid formation of a restricting endoplasmic film at the base of this cone. Distortion of the pellicle due to compression or other injury persists for some time before the membrane resumes its normal condition. The tough but extensile nature of the pellicle may be further demonstrated by inflating the cell with distilled water injected through a micropipette. From a cell ruptured under pressure the entire pellicle may be removed. In every case recorded the nucleus came away with the pellicle. Injection of various solutions usually causes an immediate inflation of the Amoeba, the fluid collecting in an area beneath the pellicle, while the endoplasm contracts into an irregular mass containing the nucleus.
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