The Development of the Enzyme Complement in Growing Root Cells

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Abstract
Fifteen serial sections, each 1.0 mm. in length, have been taken from the tip towards the base of the bean root. On corresponding groups of sections determinations have been made of water content, protein content, and of dipeptidase, glycine oxidase, phosphatase, and invertase activities. The number of cells in each section of the series has also been determined. From these data unit cell values have been calculated which show how each of the quantities involved changes as the cell grows. It has been shown that four phases are involved in the early development of the cell. In the first, which is traversed in the meristematic zone of the root, the volume increases slightly, the protein content decreases, and the activities of three of the enzymes studied also decrease. In the second, volume, protein content, and all enzyme activities increase considerably. In the third, while the volume enlarges by increase in breadth only, protein content and enzyme activities decrease. In the fourth, growth has ceased and protein content, and enzyme activities continue to decrease. The significance of these changes in discussed.

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