Abstract
The cataphoresis of microscopic granules suspended in the fluid protoplasm of various cells was years ago recorded by several observers (Carlgren, 1 Pearl, 2 and others).
Recently, I have succeeded in demonstrating the cataphoresis not only of microscopic granules, but also of ultramicroscopic particles in the fluid plasmodia of the slime-mould Stemonitis elegans.
This Myxomycete is an excellent object for a prolonged study of the structure and behavior of living matter and for experimental observations under highest magnification. It will, moreover, continue its plasmodial stage for months under a bell-jar in the laboratory, if the conditions of moisture, temperature (about 20°C.) and light (free from direct sunlight) are kept reasonably constant.
Cataphorcsis of microscopic granules.
If a portion of one of the newly-formed pseudopodia be carefully excised and mounted in a shallow hanging drop on a cover slip, which is then inverted over a moist chamber, with transmitted light one may observe in the protoplasm numerous microscopic granules of various shapes and sizes. Especially the smaller granules exhibift dancing, Brownian movements such as to indicate a distinctly fluid consistency of the protoplasm.
Upon applying a weak direct current (of about 0.02 of an ampere) by means of non-polarizahle micro-electrodes, these smaller, oscillating granules gradually migrate toward the anode. If the induced current be very little more than that of 0.02 of an ampere, or if other conditions such as temperature, viscosity and probably additional factors not yet definitely determined be not optimal, migration of the granules may be markedly deterred, or it may not occur.
Cutaphoresis of ultravaicroscopic particles.
The protoplasm of Myxomycetes may easily be freed from most of its microscopic granules by allowing the plasmodium to migrate through a bit of moist, lolosely packed cotton (Lister 3 ).
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