FUNCTION OF LATEX 67 



unnecessary for the plant to secrete latex in order to 

 have a reserve supply of water. 



Another suggestion is that the latex forms a reserve 

 food- supply or that it serves to conduct food- materials 

 in the plant. In support of this view it is pointed out 

 that latex usually contains protein and carbohydrates, 

 and that in certain cases it is known to contain a pro- 

 teolytic ferment capable of rendering the protein soluble 

 so that it can be utilised as food by the plant. 



Other views are that the latex serves for the storage 

 of waste products, the rubber being regarded in this case 

 as a waste product, or that it forms a protection to the 

 plant by sealing incisions made in their bark, thus pre- 

 venting the entry of insect or fungoid pests. 



None of these views has, however, received general 

 acceptance, and it is quite possible that the primary 

 function of latex may vary in different plants. 



