THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF PURE PROTOPLASM.
The electrical conductivity of the plasmodium of the slime-mold Brefeldia maxima (Fr.) Rost., which constitutes practically pure protoplasm, was found to be approximately equivalent under normal conditions to that of a 0.00145 N NaCl solution, and about 2.8 times that of the liquid in contact with which it developed. When bathed in 1 per cent sea water, the conductivity was much increased, becoming greater than that of the surrounding fluid. These preliminary tests are in agreement with the supposition that the protoplasm is permeable to and in equilibrium with its environment in so far as electrolytes are concerned.
Brooks
S C
SC
Division of Pharmacology, Hygienic Laboratory, United States Public Health Service, Washington, D. C.