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The chemistry of cell division

VII. The distribution of sulphydryl in Amoeba proteus in interkinesis and mitosis, as shown bythe nitroprussidetest

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Summary

  1. 1.

    A technique is described for the detection of SH by use of the nitroprusside test inAmoeba proteus.

  2. 2.

    SH occurs on the cytoplasm of the amoeba at all times.

  3. 3.

    SH occurs in the nucleus of the amoeba except during the anaphase and early telophase of mitosis when it is apparently discharged into the cytoplasm at the metaphase of mitosis concomitantly with the disappearance of the nuclear membrane.

  4. 4.

    With reorganization of the nucleus after fission SH is found in the nucleus.

  5. 5.

    Adult interkinetic amoebae show a stronger nitroprusside test (more SH) in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm.

  6. 6.

    In very young interkinetic amoebae the nitroprusside reaction is approximately equal in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm.

  7. 7.

    The major portion of the SH in the amoeba is in protein combination and is insoluble in 1/2 saturated ammonium sulphate or in 10 % trichloracetic acid except for a portion. Heating increases the detectable SH in both nucleus and cytoplasm.

  8. 8.

    The nitroprusside reaction is weakened in amoebae rendered moribund but still intact by exposure to ery dilute I2 or to H2O2. Moribund cells from a culture also give a weak reaction.

  9. 9.

    These results are discussed in relation to nuclear growth and cell division, and the possible chemical combination and state of the SH groups within the cell.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health, U. S. Public Health Service, USA

    H. W. Chalkley (Physiologist)

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  1. H. W. Chalkley
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Chalkley, H.W. The chemistry of cell division. Protoplasma 28, 489–497 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01625019

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01625019

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