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THE MECHANISM OF LIFE 



The structure of osmotic growths is no less varied than their 

 form. Their stems are formed of cells or vesicles juxtaposed, 

 showing cavities separated by osmotic walls. Sometimes the 

 component vesicles have kept their original form, so that the 



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FlG. 56. — Microphotograph showing the structure of osmotic stems. 

 (Magnified 40 diameters.) 



stem has the appearance of a row of beads. Or the cells may 

 be more or less flattened, the divisions being widely separated. 

 Or again, by the absorption of the divisions, a tube may be 

 formed, a veritable vessel or canal in which liquids can circulate. 



