Further Observations on the Motility of Proteus vulgaris Grown on Penicillin Agar

Abstract

Using the stimulus of change of heat,the rates of movement of the greatly enlarged filaments of Proteus vulgaris grown on penicillin agar were investigated. Rapid movement was resumed on stimulation by heat and continued for longer periods following longer rest periods, with a maximal response following 60-120 sec. rest periods. "Exhaustion" follows repeated stimulation and a small decrease in heat can induce a reversal of movement. Flagella belonging to immobile organisms behave in the same way.