Studies on phosphatases and lipases in certain turbellaria ...

Uptake and Intracellular Digestion of Protein (Peroxidase) in Planarians

“…12). Three weeks after feeding, the phagocytic cells contained large numbers of refractile droplets similar to those previously (Osborne, 1955) shown by Nile blue and Sudan III staining to be fat. This suggests a conversion of protein to fat, as has been reported by Willier ct al.…”

“…There is, however, very little information concerning the formation of the spherules, the rate of digestion of their contents, and their ultimate fate. Data based on the rate of disappearance of alkaline phosphatase from the spherules in planarians which had been fed raw earthworms (Osborne, 1955) were inconclusive, because of the impossibility of distinguishing exogenous from endogenous enzyme. Nor was it possible in these studies to determine whether the uptake of nutrients occurs exclusively by the phagocytic action of the gastrodermal cells.…”