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GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY 



2. Metamorphic Processes 



In contrast to simple histolytic phenomena, metamorphic 

 processes are very clearly characterised by the fact that the 

 metabolism of the cell does not merely come gradually to a stand- 

 still, but is previously turned into a perverse course, in such a way 



'* 



FIG. 143. Necrobiosis of a non-nucleated protoplasmic mass of Orbitolites ; a, the protoplasmic 

 mass has put out still normal pseudopodia ; b, the pseudopodia are becoming varicose and partly 

 drawn in ; c, the protoplasm of the pseudopodia that are not drawn in has disintegrated into 

 drops and globules. 



that substances which in the normal cell are either not 

 manufactured at all or appear only as intermediate stages, are 

 produced in quantity as a result of the disturbed metabolism, and 

 accumulate within the cell until the latter perishes. The forms 

 of metamorphic processes that are most frequent, best known, and 

 for physiology most important, are fatty degeneration, or fat- 



