Intracellular Oxidation-Reduction Studies

Abstract

1. The aerobic, apparent, oxidation-reduction potential for both intact and cytolysed starfish eggs at pH 6.8-7.0 is about -0.06 volt, the anaerobic is below -0.167 volt. 2. A reversibility of the first step in the reduction of Janus green by starfish eggs was observed, viz, a colour change from blue to red, and, by oxidation, a return to blue. 3. The higher an indicator lies, in the oxidation-reduction scale the more rapidly is it reduced by both intact and cytolysed eggs. 4. Cytolysis results in a lowered rate of reduction. 5. Ether and phenyl urethane, in non-cytolysing concentrations, are without effect on the rate of reduction of intact eggs. Similar concentrations of alcohol speed up the rate. However, alcohol and ether completely destroy the reducing power of cytolysed eggs; phenyl urethane, which is relatively insoluble, acts similarly though not to as marked a degree. 6. KCN has no effect either on the intensity or rate factor of intact or cytolysed eggs. 7. Mercuric oxide, one part in a million, destroys the reducing power of both intact and cytolysed eggs. Lead carbonate, in a similar concentration, destroys the reducing power of cytolysed eggs but only retards that of intact eggs.