EFFECTS OF CYANIDE ON THE PROTOPLASM OF AMEBA.
The experiments seem to indicate that the toxicity of HCN and KCN for amebae is due to their effect on the cell membrane and not on the internal protoplasm. Concentrated solutions (N/10-N/300) of HCN or KCN produce an initial increase in viscosity of the protoplasm of amebae (immersed) which is followed by liquefaction and disintegration of the cell. Dilute solutions of HCN or KCN decrease the viscosity of the protoplasm of amebae. Injections of HCN or KCN into amebae produce a reversible decrease in viscosity of the protoplasm.
Brinley
F J
FJ
Zoological Laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.