CALCULATIONS OF BIOELECTRIC POTENTIALS

Abstract

In Nitella the substitution of KCl for NaCl changes the P.D. in a negative direction. In some cases this change is lessened by adding solid CaCl2 to the solution of KCl. This may be due to lessening the partition coefficient of KCl or to decreasing the solubility of an organic substance which sensitizes the cell to the action of KCl. Little or no correlation exists between this effect of calcium and its ordinary antagonistic action in producing a balanced solution which preserves the life of the cell indefinitely. CaCl2 is negative to NaCl but positive to KCl. The effects of mixtures of KCl, NaCl, and CaCl2 are discussed. The concentration effect of a mixture of KCl + CaCl2 shows certain peculiarities due to action currents: these resemble those found with pure KCl. These studies and others on Nitella, Valonia, and Halicystis indicate that mobilities and partition coefficients are variable and can be brought under experimental control.