On Bimolecular Layers of Lipoids on the Chromocytes of the Blood

Abstract

We propose to demonstrate in this paper that the chromocytes of different animals are covered by a layer of lipoids just two molecules thick. If chromocytes are taken from an artery or vein, and are separated from the plasma by several washings with saline solution, and after that extracted with pure acetone in large amounts, one obtains a quantity of lipoids that is exactly sufficient to cover the total surface of the chromocytes in a layer that is two molecules thick. Subsequent extractions with ether or benzene yield only small traces of lipoid substances.We therefore suppose that every chromocyte is surrounded by a layer of lipoids, of which the polar groups are directed to the inside and to the outside, in much the same way as Bragg (1) supposes the molecules to be orientated in a "crystal" of a fatty acid, and as the molecules of a soap bubble are accordingto Perrin (2). On the boundary of two phases, one being the watery solution of hemoglobin, and the other the plasma, such an orientation seems a priori to be the most probable one. Any other explanation that does not take account of this constant relation between the surface of the chromocytes and the content of lipoids seems very difficult to sustain.Technique.

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