Abstract
Summary
1. The amino acids essential for the growth of Tritrichomonas foetus were determined in a medium of known concentration. This flagellate utilizes nitrogen in approximately the same way as do higher organisms. The amino acids essential for T. foetus were determined to be arginine, glycine, tryptophane, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, and valine.
2. Serum contains some factor capable of improving the media tested.
3. Casein, lactalbumin and wheat germ protein were tested for their growth properties. Results indicate the possible use of T. foetus to determine the biological values of proteins.
4. With whole protein, growth is relatively low. In digests, growth improves until the percentage of soluble nitrogen reaches 50%. As digestion continues and more nitrogen goes into solution, the growth rate decreases. This decrease may be due to destruction of strepogenin.
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