PHOSPHATASE AND THE FORMATION OF PROTEIN-CARBOHYDRATE COMPLEXES

Abstract

In cartilage formation in the chick embryo and in medullary bone formation and protein secretion in the oviducts during the ovulation period in the hen pigeon, evidence is presented for a histochemical and chemical correlation between phosphatase activity (alkaline in the case of ossification and acid in the case of protein secretion) and the formation of periodic acid-Schiff''s reagent-positive substances (protein-carbohydrate complexes). On the grounds of this correlation the function of phosphatase is regarded as provision of the sugars necessary for formation of mucopolysaccharides by the liberation of these from hexosephosphates formed by phosphorylytic degradation of glycogen. In connection with ossification, it is considered that this function of phosphatase is of more primary significance than the liberation of PO4 -ions.