The release kinetics of beta-galactosidase protein have been determined during small-scale ultrasonication of E. coli cells. Among several studied parameters, ionic strength and cell concentration have the least influence on the rate of protein recovery, whereas sample volume and acoustic power dramatically affect the final yield of soluble protein in the cell-free fraction. The analysis of the...

The experiments seem to indicate that the toxicity of HCN and KCN for amebae is due to their effect on the cell membrane and not on the internal protoplasm. Concentrated solutions (N/10-N/300) of HCN or KCN produce an initial increase in viscosity of the protoplasm of amebae (immersed) which is followed by liquefaction and disintegration of the cell. Dilute solutions of HCN or KCN decrease the ...