ISSN:
1550-7408
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
SUMMARY. A study of the temperature-pressure relationship in oxygen poisoning of Paramecium caudatum was undertaken, as the initial step in defining some of the major factors in in vivo oxygen poisoning. Paramecium was selected because it was relatively simple to culture in a pureline clone, large numbers were readily obtained, and it was large enough to be clearly visible under low magnification. The protozoa were exposed to oxygen pressures of 0 (100%), 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 pounds/inch2 gauge pressure at each of the following temperatures: 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 27°C. Exposure was accomplished in a transparent, high-pressure lucite tank which permitted visual observation with aid of a dissecting microscope. It was found at temperatures above 5°C. that oxygen toxicity varied directly with pressure, but below this temperature, with oxygen tensions of 1–2 atmospheres (absolute), oxygen toxicity varied inversely as the temperature. The possibility is advanced that oxygen may be affecting two cellular processes (perhaps enzymatic), one of which is temperature-limited below 5°C. and would, therefore, decrease the death time as the temperature is decreased. Several experiments performed at 3°C. produced a death time intermediate between results obtained at 1° and 5°C.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1550-7408.1957.tb02479.x
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