Effect of Carcinogenic and Other Hydrocarbons on the Growth of Escherichia communior

Abstract
An increase in the numbers of cells of E. communior can be induced by the carcinogenic compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 dibenzanthracene and methylcholanthrene in a conc. of 0.3 mg. per ml. respectively. Cultures containing the non-carcinogenic compounds 1, 2 benzanthracene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, and symtriphenylbenzene did not show any increase in the numbers of cells. A description of the preparation of the hydrocarbons and their colloidal solns. is given, as well as the detailed procedure for the bacteriological test.