THE EFFECT OF LIGHT ON THE PERMEABILITY OF PARAMECIUM

1. The permeability of Paramecium to NH₄OH is greater when the cells are exposed to light than it is when they are in darkness.

2. This change can be demonstrated in cells exposed to monochromatic red light, though it is small. It becomes greater as the wave lengths shorten, and is greatest in the near ultra-violet.

3. The permeability increases as the duration of exposure to light is prolonged.

4. These experiments demonstrate the necessity of controlling the illumination when using Paramecium in physiological tests.