Abstract
Fibers of acid-soluble collagen reconstituted with chondroitin sulfate showed sheet-like structures without indication of spacings. After treatment for 2 days with basal salt solution at pH 7.3 and 37[degree]C, containing neither Ca++ nor PO4 , non-striated fibers were formed of 300-1500 A thickness. If either Ca++ or PO4--- were present partial transformation to the form with 640 A spacings took place. If both of these ions were present, this transformation occurred more rapidly and more completely. These findings suggest that Ca++ and PO4--- interact with sites on the collagen fiber where the breaking of electrostatic bonds catalyzes transformation to the 640 A spaced fiber.

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