ISSN:
1550-7408
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Paramecia, in a nearly defined axenic medium, require a specific fatty acid and a “protein” factor for growth and survival. The fatty acid requirement was readily satisfied by stearic acid or oleic acid. The saturated acids, arachidic (C20) and one preparation of palmitic (C16), had lower growth activity than did stearic acid. The unsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic (C16Δ9), linoleic (C18Δ9,12), linolenic (C18Δ9,12,15), and arachidonir (C20Δ5,8,11,14) and the saturated fatty acids of C14 through C6. myristic, lauric, capric, caprylic and caproic, were inactive. A few other fatty acid-containing compounds. i.e., esters, were also tested for growth-promoting activity, with concordant results.The “protein” factor has not been completely characterized; a nondialyzable protein-containing fraction from yeast or crystalline ovalbumin provided it. Hydrolysis products of these substances were inactive. A possible role of the ovalbumin as a carrier for fatty acids is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1550-7408.1960.tb00745.x
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