COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON RESPIRATION

Abstract
1. In relatively low concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 the rate of respiration of Bacillus subtilis remains fairly constant for a period of several hours, while in the higher concentrations, there is a gradual decrease in the rate. 2. NaCl and KCl increase the rate of respiration of Bacillus subtilis somewhat at concentrations of 0.15 M and 0.2 M respectively; in sufficiently high concentrations they decrease the rate. CaCl2 increases the rate of respiration of Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 0.05 M and decreases the rate at somewhat higher concentrations. 3. The effects of salts upon respiration show a well marked antagonism between NaCl and CaCl2, and between KCl and CaCl2. The antagonism between NaCl and KCl is slight and the antagonism curve shows two maxima.