The problem of cytoplasmic integration

Abstract

Though little considered, the problem of integration in the living cell is fundamental. Older ideas of foam structure (Bütschli) were cogently criticized when Hardy (1899) found that fixatives produced in gelatin structures that were similar to those induced by the same fixatives in cells. The sceptical attitude to histology (light microscope) extended until the development of phase-contrast microscopy (Zernicke 1935; Hughes & Swann 1948). Further observations by Hardy (1913) led him to propose orientation of molecules in surfaces and interfaces, work extensively developed by others. At a time when little structure could be seen in cells (1929), I proposed on logical grounds that there was present a coordinating fluid cytoskeleton based for its chemistry upon interfacial molecular structure. This view of a microheterogeneous organization led to the idea that enzymes were under the control of the cytoskeleton, an idea most unpopular with those contented with the ‘bag of specific enzymes’ hypothesis. With the development of the electron microscope, all doubt as to organelle structures has vanished. A ciné film will be shown (Buffa, Modena with Godina and Barasa, Turin), illustrating well the living complications; also, in comparison, a modern e. m. picture of a gelatin gel (R. Reed). Though doubts as to the existence of internal structures have gone, there still remains the puzzle as to how the cell is integrated on a molecular basis, and adjusted to environmental stimuli and otherwise. Every change in the individual reactions of a cell is based upon some phase of chemistry or physical chemistry. Can we still believe, however, that the whole living cell is merely an extremely complex chemical equilibrium, or have we still to look for some tenuous coordinating structure, fulfilling the role the nervous system does in the animal? This might indeed be a channel for the transmission of electrons. Whether such an integrating cytoskeleton is present is not an academic question, because it would be an important factor in the development of malignant change.