PRODUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE AND VOLATILE ACIDS BY MUSCLE FROM ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES

Abstract

Under anaerobic conditions the production of carbon dioxide by chopped ascaris muscle is enhanced by the presence of carbon dioxide. This effect is not due to a lowering of the pH since raising the pH actually increases the effect. In addition to manometric measurements changes in the volatile acids were studied. Since the chromatographic procedure employed did not distinguish between isomers, the acid fractions have been designated by the number of carbon atoms contained by the acid normally eluted in each specific fraction. When minced or chopped muscle is incubated in an atmosphere of N2/CO2, 93/7, there is an increase in the C5and C4acid fractions in addition to a small but significant increase in the C2acid fraction. The ratio of C5produced to CO2evolved is 1:3. On the other hand the C3and C2acid fractions are increased under aerobic conditions.