MEASUREMENTS OF THE METABOLISM OF TWO PROTOZOANS

Abstract

1. The respiration of Amoeba proteus was measured. 10 c. mm. of cells were found to use about 1.6 mm.3 of oxygen per hour at 20°C. The respiratory quotient was found to be nearly unity. 2. No anaerobic metabolism was found for Amoeba. 3. The respiration of Blepharisma was found to be from 3 to 7 mm.3 oxygen per hour for 10 mm.3 cells. The respiratory quotient was about 1. 4. Blepharisma was shown to have a definite anaerobic metabolism. 80 mm.3 cells caused the evolution of 12.5 mm.3 carbon dioxide per hour at 20°C. in the presence of bicarbonate.