In the case of ciliate or flagellate cells, there is to be found a
characteristic accumulation of potassium at and near the base of the
cilia. The relation of ciliary movement to surface tension lies beyond
our range, but the fact which we have just mentioned throws light
upon the frequent or general presence of a little protuberance of the
cell-surface just where a flagellum is given off (cf. p. 247), and of
a little projecting ridge or fillet at the base of an isolated row of
cilia, such as we find in Vorticella.
Yet another of Professor Macallum’s demonstrations, though its interest
is mainly physiological, will help us somewhat further to comprehend
what is implied in our phenomenon. In a normal cell of Spirogyra, a
concentration of potassium is revealed along the whole surface of the
spiral coil of chlorophyll-bearing, or “chromatophoral,” protoplasm,
the rest of the cell being wholly destitute of the former substance:
the indication being that, at this particular boundary, between
chromatophore and cell-sap, the surface tension is small in comparison
with any other interfacial surface within the system.
Now as Macallum points out, the presence of potassium is known to be
a factor, in connection with the chlorophyll-bearing protoplasm, in
the synthetic production of starch from CO_{2} under the influence of
sunlight. But we are left in some doubt as to the consecutive order
of the phenomena. For the lowered surface tension, indicated by the
presence of the potassium, may be itself a cause of the carbohydrate
synthesis; while on the other hand, this synthesis may be attended
by the production of substances (e.g. formaldehyde) which lower the
surface tension, and so conduce to the concentration of potassium. All
we know for certain is that the several phenomena are associated with
one another, as apparently inseparable parts or inevitable concomitants
of a certain complex action.
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