43 KozLowsKi : Primary Synthesis of Proteids 



phosphites are decomposed in the leaves while the sulphur and 

 phosphorus are used for building up the proteid molecules. 



We cannot however agree with the conclusion of the author that 

 the chlorophyl grain is the organ of this synthesis, and that the 

 last is produced only under the influence of light. The synthesis 

 of proteids from sugar and nitrates or salts of ammonia in fungi 

 deprived of chlorophyl contradicts such a supposition. This objec- 

 tion cannot be overthrown by the single remark, that the assimila- 

 tion of nitrogen is in some regard different from this process in 

 higher plants, for we have no reason to admit the necessity of 

 light and chlorophyl to the production of proteids, since we know 



■ 



that such a synthesis can be produced without their influence. Of 

 course the principal difference between fungi and chlorophyl-bear- 

 ing plants does not consist in the fact that they produce proteids 

 in different ways, but that one of the compounds necessary to that 

 production (the carbohydrates) is taken from the outside. 



More probable is the supposition, that to the reduction of ni- 

 trates into amides or to the consequent transformation of amides 

 into proteids some compounds or groups of atoms are necessary 

 which are produced during the assimilation of carbon and consti- 

 tutc perhaps some stage in the synthesis of carbohydrates. In 

 fungi such bodies could be produced by a retrogressive metamor- 

 phosis from carbohydrates, and the energy developed by this reac- 

 tion may be used for the process of synthesis of proteids. Such a- 

 supposition is supported by the fact observed by the same author 



^ 



VIZ, : the presence of some reducing substance in the chloro- 

 phyl-bearing cells which hindered in many cases the color reaction 

 with the diphenylamin, while neither the glucose nor the starch 

 produce such effect. f 



In this connection may be mentioned the hypothesis of Low ad- 

 vanced long before the publication of the work of Schimper,;}: and 



■ 



* Since this was written two pieces of work have appeared which have overthrown 

 by experience the above exposed view of Schimpcr, previously advanced by Osc. Muller 

 (Landw. Versiichsst., 1887). Tlic one is of Kinosliita (bulletin of Agricultural Col- 

 lege in Tokio, 1895 : 2), the other the above quoted memoir of B. Hansteen (Berichte 

 deutsche bot. Cjcs. 1896). 



■ t ^- c., 145. 



jEine llypothese iiber die Bildung des Albumins in Pfilger's Archiv, 22: 503. 

 1880. 



