The Effect of a Non-ionic Detergent on Some Plant Cells

The effects of a non-ionic detergent. Triton × 100, on protoplasmic streaming in some plant cells, on plasmolysis, and on leakage of solutes from beet cells were investigated. The results of the different tests showed some features in common: (1) There is a critical range between 0.007 and 0.01 % v/v. (2) Above this concentration of the surfactant, that is at a concentration close to 0.01 %, the effect is manifested in the following ways. Plasmolysis with sucrose is anomalous or impossible. Protoplasmic streaming ceases within a short time. Definite leakage of ions and sugars starts from beet tissues. (3) At concentrations lower than 0.01 to 0.007 % there is enhanced retention of solutes in beet disks. — It is thought that the critical micelle concentration is of paramount importance. The micelle effect may consist in solubilizing or in forming mixed micelles or a complex with the globular lipoprotein units of the outermost plasma layer, the plasmalemma. The effect of the lower Triton concentrations is discussed.