Relationship of Dissociation of Cellular Proteins by Incipient Drought to Physiological Processes

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Abstract
The centrifuge method was used to determine the structural viscosity of protoplasm in leaf cells of Mnium sp. and Bryum sp. which had been dried for periods up to 50 min. In other expts. with Mnium, dried plants were placed in water and the viscosity detd. after periods varying from 15 to 90 min. Incipient drought- conditioned a decrease in the structural viscosity as a consequence of protein dissociations. During the recovery period a decrease in viscosity preceded the return to normal. It is suggested that the dissociation of cellular proteins by incipient drought conditions an increased protoplasmic swelling pressure, accelerated rates of respiration and polysaccharide hydrolysis, and may at times lead to mitotic abnormalities.