524 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



deuce accumulated favors tlie hypothesis that the soluble sap pigments of ](lants 

 are formed by the oxidation of a colorless chromogen through the agency of an 

 oxidase. The sap pigment may be reduced to the colorless chromogen by the 

 agency of a reducing substance, as when the colored cell is stimulated by a hor- 

 mone under conditions in which the amount of water present is at a minimum, 

 the chromogen being reoxidized when excess of water is present in the system. 

 Concentration of the coll sap thus shows close relation to the mechanism which 

 controls the formation of flower color. 



The work of Chodat (E. S. R., 30, p. 110) is also briefly discussed in this con- 

 nection. 



Some investigations in anthocyan formation, W. X. Joxes (Abs. in Rpt. 

 Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1913, p. 713). — This paper reviews some points thought 

 to be of special interest considered in the communication above referred to. 



It is believed that both a pigment producing mechanism and a reducing body 

 are ]n-osent in the petals, the amount of water in the cells determining which 

 way the pigment reaction shall go. Reduction with, decoloration occurs in 95 

 per cent alcohol, while in weak alcohol or water oxidation results in a produc- 

 tion of pigment. Considerable quantities of reserve raw material are supposed 

 to occur in some colored, flowers which darken on fading, due, supposedly, to this 

 reserve raw material coming into action under these circumstances. 



Cytological studies on the formation of anthocyanin pigments, A. Guil- 

 LiERMOND (Rev. GM. Bot., 25 Us (1914). pp. 295-337, pis. 3). — In continuation 

 of previous studies (E. S. R., 30. p. 729), and considering the origin of antho- 

 cyanin pigments in buds, flowers, and other organs, also the formation of 

 such pigments in leaves, the origin of the colorless phenol compounds, etc., the 

 author states that in all cases examined the anthocyanic pigments formed re- 

 sulted from mitochondrial activity, as did various colorless phenol compounds 

 noted in most plants studied. Anthocyanin appears in general as pigment in 

 the mitochondria, but the manner of its elaboration may be any one of several 

 described. 



Structural and functional homologies as noted between cells of vegetables 

 and those of animals are also discussed. A large number of facts noted are 

 said to favor the views of Combes (E. S. R.. 31, p. 12S) regarding the produc- 

 tion of phenol compounds in plants as a normal and constant phenomenon and 

 the production of anthocyanin as a modification thereof. 



The question of the evolution and the physiological role of mitochondria, 

 A. GuiLLiEKMOND (Rev. G6n. Bot., 26 (1914), Kos. 304, PP- 129-149, figs. 7; 305, 

 pp. 182-208, figs. 9). — Summarizing the results of studies on the origin, devel- 

 opment, chemical" nature, intimate functions, and generalized character of 

 mitochondria as noted in plants and animals, the author claims to have shown 

 that mitochondria are concerned with the elaboration of the products of secre- 

 tion which function chemically in tlie cell ; that the function of the mitochondria 

 is very general, probably the greater part of the products of secretion being 

 elaborated therein ; and that the chondriome is a constant and essential element 

 of the functioning cell. A bibliography is appended. 



Evolution of plastids and mitochondria in adult cells, A. GtrrLLiERMOND 

 (Aiiat. Ans., 46 (1914), No. 20-21, pp. 566-574, fios- i6).— This is mainly a com- 

 pact summary of results and conclusions already noted (see above). 



Investigations in smoke injury. H. Wislicenus (Samml. Abhandl. Abgase 

 11. Rauchschdden, Xo. 10 (1914). PP- 168, pis. 4. figs. 19). — This is one of a 

 series of reports under the editorship of the author on gas and smoke injury to 

 plants, this number dealing systematically with external and internal dis- 

 turbances produced by soot, smoke, and various acid fumes or gases during 

 exiierimeuts or observations, which are discussed. 



