Effect of ion combinations on protoplasm,amoeboid movement,tissue formation in experimental amoebocyte tissue

Abstract

In former investigations we have shown that the consistency and state of contraction of the protoplasm determines various functions and transformations in amœbocytes and in the experimental amœbocyte-tissue, such as: (1) The character of the amœboid movements and pseudopods. The greater the consistency, the more rounded are the cells, the sharper are the pseudopods, the slower is the movement of the granuloplasm. At certain stages the movement of the granuloplasm is entirely or almost entirely prevented, while the ectoplasm of the pseudopods may still actively move. Then the cell in toto may move in a snail-like manner, the whole cell being pulled along by the extension and contraction of the pseudopods. However, snail movement may also be produced under other conditions. The other extreme is represented by the circus movement and paripassu movement. In the former, the pseudopod has the shape of a drop or balloon, and moves along the periphery of the cell; the granuloplasm pours into it like a liquid mass. Subsequently the cell as a whole rounds off, and the same cycle begins again after a period of latency. In the latter form of movement, the protoplasm is so soft that the pseudopod is rounded off, and the granuloplasm moves into the pseudopod as soon as it develops, so that the pseudopod is from the beginning filled with granuloplasm.

(2) The consistency of the protoplasm influences the extension of the cell. The greater the consistency, the less is the cell liable to extend in contact with solid surfaces; conversely, the softer the cell, the more liable it is to extend. Associated with the extension are usually solution processes in the cell, in particular, solution of the cell granules.