Formation and localization of cellulases in Cellulomonas culture on bagasse

Summary The cellulolytic enzyme complex was studied during the diauxic growth of Cellulomonas sp.IIbc on alkali-pretreated sugar cane bagasse pith. In the first growth phase only a low cell-bound aryl--glucosidase activity was detected. Formation of extracellular and bound (cell-, bagasse-) CM- and FP-cellulases occurred later, i.e. at the beginning and during the second growth phase. The levels of all cellulolytic enzymes, mainly bound ones, increased with the growth of cells. At the end of the linear growth phase almost all bound cellulolytic enzymes, except for cell-bound aryl--glucosidase, are released to the medium as an extracellular complex. A considerable level of the intracellular aryl--glucosidase activity is still present at the end of the fermentation.     

Comparative residual toxicities of pesticides to the predator Agistemus industani (Acari: Stigmaeidae) on citrus in Florida

Residual toxicities of registered and selected experimental pesticides used on citrus against Agistemus industani Gonzalez (Acari: Stigmaeidae) were compared. Pesticides considered highly toxic to A. industani were: abamectin 0.15 EC at 731ml/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, pyridaben 75WP at 469g/ha, ethion 4EC at 7.01l/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, propargite 6.55 EC at 3.51l/ha, chlorfenapyr 2SC at 1.46l/ha applied alone or in combination with FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, sulphur 80DF at 16.81kg/ha, dicofol 4EC at 7.01l/ha, fenbutatin oxide 50WP at 2.24kg/ha, benomyl 50WP at 2.24kg/ha, benomyl 50WP at 1.68kg/ha+ferbam 76 GF at 5.60kg/ha, ferbam 76GF at 11.21kg/ha, neem oil 90EC at 46.8l/ha, and copper hydroxide DF (40% metallic copper) at 4.48kg metallic copper/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha. Pesticides that were moderately to slightly toxic included: copper sulphate 98% at 4.48kg metallic copper/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, fenbuconazole 2F at 280ml/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, FC 435-66 petroleum oil applied alone at 46.8l/ha or 23.4l/ha, and diflubenzuron 25WP at 1.40kg/ha. Pesticides that were non-toxic included: fenbuconazole 2F at 585ml/ha, malathion 57EC at 5.85l/ha, FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, carbaryl 80S at 3.36kg/ha, chlorpyrifos 4EC at 4.68l/ha, and formetanate 92SP at 1.12kg/ha. Understanding the toxic effects of field weathered pesticides against key predacious mite species is important for effective IPM. The results of this study provide a comparison of direct and indirect toxic effects of various pesticides to A. industani under field conditions.     

Electron microscopic and cytochemical study on the role of Golgi elements and plasma membrane of enterocytes in the intestinal lipid transport

Summary Intestinal lipid absorption and transport were investigated in albino rats. The observations point towards the existence of a continuity between plasma membrane invaginations and elements of the Golgi complex on its mature face. They also suggest a segregation of lipid droplets by paired Golgi membranes and plasma membrane invaginations. The following way for lipid transport is deduced: lipid droplets moving inside the smooth endoplasmic reticulum accumulate progressively and are condensed in Golgi cisternae of the forming face. Their limiting membrane ruptures and liberated lipid droplets are segregated by paired Golgi membranes of the mature face or by plasma membrane invaginations. Subsequently the inner of the two segregating membranes disappears while the lipid droplet is moved towards the intercellular space inside a canal communicating with this space. The suggestion is made that the Golgi apparatus is of double origin: one component representing a terminal plication of the endoplasmic reticulum; the second one—a terminal plication of the plasma membrane invagination. This concept explains the ultrastructural and histochemical differences between Golgi membranes of the forming and mature faces of the complex.     

A model of associative memory in the brain

A model of associative memory for time varying spatial patterns is proposed and simulated on a digital computer. This is a network composed of many neuron-like elements, and shows an ability for associative memory similar to that of the brain.Suppose a number of sequences of spatial patterns are presented to this network, for example, 12345, ABC, and so on. Then, these patterns are memorized in the network. After that, if any part of one of these sequences, say 23, is presented to the circuit, the rest of the sequence, 45, is recalled following to it. It resembles to such a situation — if we hear a part of a melody which we have memorized in the past, the rest of the melody is recalled even after it is stopped half-way. Although the recalled patterns are not always 100% correct, they are not completely destroyed even if the presented patterns are imperfect.     

The effect of monoterpenes on astaxanthin production by a mutant ofPhaffia rhodozyma

Summary The total pigment and astaxanthin content ofPhaffia rhodozyma increased with increasing concentrations -pinene up to 500 l -pinene/l. Above this concentration the total pigment and astaxanthin content as well as the biomass production decreased. The addition of 500 l -pinene/l increased the total pigment content from 1652 g/g to 2201 g/g and the astaxanthin content from 1554 g/g to 1883 g/g. A sharp decrease in maximum specific growth rate occurred above 150 l -pinene/l.     

Detergent sensitivity and splitting of isolated liver gap junctions

Summary Isolated rat liver gap junctions were split by two methods. In the first method, isolated gap junctions were stabilized by cross-linking their cytoplasmic surfaces with glutaraldehyde under conditions that prevented the entry of glutaraldehyde into the gap region. The stabilized junctions were then split in the junctional gap with SDS. In the second procedure, unfixed gap junctions were split by incubation in ureacontaining solutions. Junctional splitting was monitored by electron microscopy of thin sectioned and freeze fractured membrane pellets. Sidedness of the split junctional membranes was defined by labeling their cytoplasmic surfaces with glutaraldehyde-activated ferritin before splitting with urea. Gap junctional splitting did not result in any loss of protein components as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The glutaraldehyde cross-linking procedure was also used to determine the effects of various detergents on the protein-protein interactions in the gap region. Of the detergents tested, only SDS caused junctional splitting.     

The filtration apparatus of Cladocera: Filter mesh-sizes and their implications on food selectivity

Summary The filtering apparatus of eleven Cladoceran species was studied. The distances between the setulae, which act as filters, were measured. Among adult individuals, they vary from 0.2 m in Diaphanosoma brachyurum to 4.7 m in Sida crystallina. Species can be grouped according to the mesh-sizes, as fine mesh filter-feeders: Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, Chydorus sphaericus, Daphnia cucullata and Daphnia magna; medium mesh filter-feeders: Daphnia galeata, D. hyalina. D. pulicaria, Bosmina coregoni, and coarse mesh filter-feeders: Holopedium gibberum and Sida crystallina. In Daphnia hyalina, the distances between setulae increase from 0.3–0.4 m in small juveniles, to 0.8–2.0 m in adults. In Daphnia magna, the mesh-size of the filter does not increase significantly with growth. There is good evidence that the relative abundance of the filter-feeding types varies with the trophic state of the lake. In oligotrophic lakes the coarse mesh filter-feeders usually dominate throughout the year. The seasonal succession of zooplankton species in eutrophic lakes can be interpreted as a succession of feeding types; during winter coarse mesh filter-feeders dominate, while fine mesh filter-feeders are most abundant during summer phytoplankton blooms. Our results support the hypothesis that the species composition of filter-feeding zooplankton is strongly influenced by the amount of suspended bacteria which are available as food only for filter-feeding species with fine meshes.     

Characterization of mitoses with sister chromatid differentiation (SCD) and consequences for the analysis of proliferation kinetics and sister chromatid exchanges in asynchronously growing cells

Summary Labeling cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) permits the differentiation of mitoses of the first, second, and third generation after the addition of BrdU. The term second mitoses is used for those cells which have incorporated BrdU for two-S-phases and which exhibit sister chromatid differentiation (SCD). However, SCD can also be obtained if the cell was in S-phase at the time of BrdU-addition and had already replicated part of its DNA. Such cells with incomplete BrdU-substitution in the first S-phase can only be differentiated from completely substituted ones by the quality of the SCD and are usually also grouped as second mitoses in the evaluation of experiments. Due to the heterogeneity of the evaluated second mitoses, the determination of proliferation delay and the incidence of sister chromatid exchange-induction can depend on the time of chromosome preparation.     

The spermatozoon of Oikopleura dioica Fol (Larvacea,Tunicata)

Summary The spermatozoon of Oikopleura dioica is about 30 m long, with a spherical head, about 1 m wide, a 3 m long and 1 m wide midpiece, and a 25 m long tail with a tapered end piece. The head contains a nucleus with the chromatin volume limited to about 0.1 m³. A small acrosome is found in an anterior inpocketing, and a flagellar basal body in a posterior inpocketing of the nucleus. The midpiece contains a single mitochondrion with the flagellar axoneme embedded in a groove along its medial surface. The flagellar axoneme has the typical 9 + 2 substructure, and the basal body the typical 9+0 substructure. A second centriole and special anchoring fibres are absent.     

Steroid-induced regulation of 3α,20β- and 3β,17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in wild type and mutants of Streptomyces hydrogenans

The effect of estradiol, hydrocortisone and progesterone on 3,20-and 3,17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in mutants of Streptomyces hydrogenans was compared to the steroid response of the wild type. Mutants were defective in arginine biosynthesis and/or aerial mycelial formation and lacked both enzymes or only 17-HSD. Some 17-HSD mutants had lost the ability to be induced by estradiol, by progesterone or by both. Some 20-HSD mutants had lost the ability to be induced by hydrocortisone, by progesterone or by both. Non-inducibility of 17-and 20-HSD by progesterone was not co-ordinate. An additional study of the growth phase-dependent enzyme activity of the wild type after induction with estradiol, hydrocortisone and progesterone was performed.Non-standard abbreviations 17-HSD 3,17-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.51) - 20-HSD 3,20-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.53) - AO acridine orange - EBr ethidium bromide - EMS ethyl methanesulfonate - MNNG N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine     

Immobilized Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin binds oligosaccharides containing the Lex determinant

A defined set of oligosaccharides and glycopeptides containing -linked fucose were used to examine the specificity of the immobilized fucose-binding lectin Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA1), also known as lotus lectin. Glycans containing the Lewis x determinant (Lex) Gal1-4[Fuc1-3]GlcNAc1-3-R were significantly retarded in elution from high density LTA-Emphaze columns. The lectin also bound the fucosylated lacdiNAc trisaccharide GalNAc1-4[Fuc1-3]GlcNAc. The lectin did not bind glycans containing either sialylLex or VIM-2 determinants, nor did it bind the isomeric Lea, Gal1-3[Fuc1-4]GlcNAc-R. Although 2-fucosyllactose Fuc1-2Gal1-4Glc) was retarded in elution from the columns, larger glycans containing the H-antigen Fuc1-2Gal1-3(4)GlcNAc-R interacted poorly with immobilized LTA. Our results demonstrate that immobilized LTA is effective in isolating glycans containing the Lex antigen and is useful in analyzing specific fucosylation of glycoconjugates. Abbreviations: LTA, Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin; UEA-1, Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I; LNT, AAL, Aleuria aurantia agglutinin; Gal1-3GlcNAc1-3Gal1-3Glc; LNnT, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-3Glc; Lex, Lewis x antigen; Lea, Lewis a antigen; GDPFuc, guanosine 5-diphosphate--L-fucose     

The effect of pH on the production of cellulases in Aspergillus terreus

Summary The optimal pH for the production of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes in the wild strain of Aspergillus terreus was shown to be pH 5.0. After 160 h of cultivation, carboxymethyl cellulase reached 9.0 IU/ml, filterpaper, cellulase 0.5 IU/ml and -glucosidase 0.9 IU/ml. The rate of synthesis of CM- and FP-cellulases decreased after 90 h of cultivation but -glucosidase was produced linearly for 160 h. Some of the enzymes produced were released into the medium during the fungal growth while others remained bound. The binding of enzymes to cells and residual crystalline cellulose was strongly affected by the pH of the medium. FP-cellulase and particularly -glucosidase were bound more effectively, at lower pHs. Cold shock treatment of the cell suspension increased the activities of FP- and CM-cellulases but -glucosidase activity was not affected.     

Larvae of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arnoglossus elongatus</Emphasis> (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae) from northwestern Australia

Eleven postflexion larvae (9.1–23.9mm standard length: SL) of a bothid, Arnoglossus elongatus, from northwestern Australian waters were described. These specimens were characterized by vertebral numbers of 11–12+32–34=43–45, slender body, remarkably elongated second dorsal fin ray, and presence of melanophores on and slightly above midlateral line of body, plus on dorsal wall of abdominal cavity and air bladder (specimens >12.6mm SL), proximally on caudal fin rays (>16.5mm SL), and on pterygiophore zones of dorsal fin and anal fin (>23.8mm SL).     

Synthesis of disaccharide derivatives employing β-N-acetyl- d-hexosaminidase, β-d-galactosidase and β-d-glucuronidase

-N-Acetyl-d-hexosaminidase from Aspergillus oryzae catalysed the stereo- and regiospecific formation of the 6-O-benzylated disaccharide derivatives GalNAc1-3(6- OBn)Gal-SEt and GlcNAc1-3(6-OBn)Gal-SEt, which were obtained in transglycosylation reactions employing ethyl 6- O-benzyl-1-thio--d-galactopyranoside as acceptor. Preparative amounts of the chitobiose derivative GlcNAc1- 3GlcNAc-OPhNO2-p was prepared as well. - N-Acetyl-d-hexosaminidase from bovine testes catalysed the specific synthesis of GlcNAc1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2-SEt and GalNAc1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2-SEt, employing ethyl 2-amino-6-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-1-thio--d-glucopyranoside as acceptor. -d-Glucuronidase from E. coli was found to catalyse the formation of GlcA1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2- SEt employing the same acceptor.     

Conformational transmission in ATP synthase during catalysis: Search for large structural changes

Escherichia coli ATP synthase has eight subunits and functions through transmission of conformational changes between subunits. Defective mutation at Gly-149 was suppressed by the second mutations at the outer surface of the subunit, indicating that the defect by the first mutation was suppressed by the second mutation through long range conformation transmission. Extensive mutant/pseudorevertant studies revealed that / and / subunits interactions are important for the energy coupling between catalysis and H⁺ translocation. In addition, long range interaction between amino and carboxyl terminal regions of the subunit has a critical role(s) for energy coupling. These results suggest that the dynamic conformation change and its transmission are essential for ATP synthase.     

Influence of molecular variations of ionophore and lipid on the selective ion permeability of membranes: I. Tetranactin and the methylation of nonactin-type carriers

Summary The manner in which the molecular structure of the carrier and the lipid composition of the membrane modulate the membrane selectivity among monovalent cations has been investigated for nonactin, trinactin, and tetranactin, which differ only in their degrees of methylation, and for membranes made of two lipids, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and glyceryl dioleate, in which equilibrium and kinetic aspects of permeation, respectively, are emphasized. Bilayer permeability ratios for Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Tl, and NH₄ have been characterized and resolved into equilibrium and kinetic components using a model for carrier-mediated membrane transport which includes both a trapezoidal energy barrier for translocation of the complex across the membrane interior and a potential-dependence of the loading and unloading of ions at the membrane-solution interfaces. The bilayer permeability properties due to tetranactin have been characterized in each of these lipids and found not only to be regular but to be systematically related to those of the less methylated homologues, trinactin and nonactin. This analysis has led to the following conclusions: (1) The change in lipid composition alters the relative contributions of kineticvs. equilibrium components to the observed carrier-mediated selectivity. (2) Increased methylation of the carrier increases the contribution of the kinetic component to the selectivity relative to that of the equilibrium component and additionally alters the equilibrium component sufficiently that an inversion in Cs–Na selectivity occurs between trinactin and tetranactin. (3) For all ions and carriers examined, the reaction plane for ion-carrier complexation and the width for the diffusion barrier can be represented by the same two parameters, independent of the ion or carrier, so that in all cases the complexation reaction senses 10% of the applied potential and the plateau of the diffusion barrier extends across 70% of the membrane interior.     

Topography of the subunits of Micrococcus lysodeikticus F1-ATPase

Summary The combined use of proteolytic digestion and lactoperoxidase catalyzed labelling with [¹²⁵I] applied to membrane-bound or soluble pure F₁-ATPase from Micrococcus lysodeikticus has allowed us to establish the topography of its , , and subunits within the protein molecule and with respect to the plane of the membrane.The subunit is most externally located to the membrane bilayer looking towards the cytoplasmic face, a position consistent with its proposed catalytic role. The and subunits lie in an intermediate layer between the subunits and the membrane, in which the subunit occupies a central position within the F₁-ATPase molecule in contact with the subunit. The subunit appears to be tightly bound to the F₀ component of the ATPase complex, probably buried in the membrane bilayer. A molecular arrangement of M. lysodeikticus ATPase is proposed that, taking into account the subunit stoichiometry _{3 3 2 2} (MW 420 000), accommodates the role assigned to each subunit and most, if not all, the known properties of this bacterial energy-transducing protein.     

A unified matrix hypothesis of DNA-directed morphogenesis,protodynamism and growth control

A theoretical concept is proposed, in order to explain some enigmatic aspects of cellular and molecular biology of eukaryotic organisms. Among these are the C-value paradox of DNA redundancy, the correlation of DNA content and cell size, the disruption of genes at DNA level, the Chromosome field data of Lima de Faria (Hereditas 931, 1980), the quantal mitosis proposition of Holtzeret al. (Curr. Top. Dev. Biol. 7229 1972), the inheritance of morphological patterns, the relations of DNA and chromosome organisation to cellular structure and function, the molecular basis of speciation, etc. The basic proposition of the Unified Matrix Hypothesis is that the nuclear DNA has a direct morphogenic function, in addition to its coding function in protein synthesis. This additional genetic information is thought to be largely contained in the non-protein coding transcribed DNA, and in the untranscribed part of the genome.In this world, seeds of different kinds, sown at the proper time in the land, even in one field, come forth (each) according to its kind.In the biological sense, the term Matrix is used here to signify the integrity of the cell's fibrous networks in nucleus and cytoplasm, during interphase and metaphase. In the philosophical sense, Matrix Hypothesis integrates also the etymological meaning of the term, which stems from mater (i.e. origin), and means also a lattice within a frame of coordinates, or else: Something (as a surrounding or pervading substance or element) within which something else originates or takes form or develops (cf. Webster's Intern. Dict.).—The term Protodynamism was defined earlier (Scherrer, 1966) as meaning the integrity of theorganised movements of the cellular components, excluding mere diffusion.A preliminary version of this assay was published previously (cf. Scherrer, 1985).     

“Relatedness” between antibodies —Implications on immunogenetic systems

Summary A serologic model, a mathematical treatment of this model as well as experimental serologic evidence have all made it highly probable that a new type of relatedness between antibodies, (at least assumed to react with antigens within the same immunogenetic system) is a very common phenomenon.It is shown that conventional models assuming monospecific and unrelated base reagents give rise to erroneous assumptions regarding the serologic and genetic aspects of immunogenetic systems if the base reagents are instead related. Thus a relation between antibodies could falsely be interpreted as being instead a relation between antigens on a serologic; genetic or biochemical level.

---

Zusammenfassung Die statistische Behandlung eines serologischen Modells und experimentelle serologische Ergebnisse führen zu der Annahme einer häufig vorkommenden neuartigen Beziehung zwischen Antikörpern.Voraussagen über serologische und genetische Aspekte immunogenetischer Systeme können unter der Voraussetzung der hier postulierten Beziehung deshalb zu Irrtümern führen, weil die konventionellen Modelle monospezifische und nicht miteinander in Beziehung stehende Reagentien voraussetzen.

     

Der „biologische Aufstieg“ und seine Kriterien

Zusammenfassung Die Arbeit stellt die Frage nach den Kriterien des fossil belegten Biologischen Aufstiegs der Organismenwelt, d.h. derjenigen Vervollkommnung, die sich nicht innerhalb des Rahmens eines gegebenen Bauplans hält, wie die Anpassungsvervollkommnung, sondern über verschiedenrangige Baupläne hinweg zu höheren Typen führt, z.B. von den Fischen über die Amphibien und Reptilien zu den Säugern bzw. Vögeln. Ausführlich werden zwei Gruppen von Kriterien besprochen, ihr Inhalt dargelegt und ihre Eindeutigkeit zur Charakterisierung des Biologischen Aufstiegs untersucht. Die erste Gruppe umfasst die Kriterien der zunehmenden Differenzierung und harmonischeren Integration. Diese legen die morphologisch-physiologische Differenzierung oder genauer die Ganzheit der Organismen zugrunde, d.h. ihre Vielheit in der Einheit. Die zweite Kriteriengruppe, nämlich zunehmende Umweltunabhängigkeit und zunehmende individuelle Autonomie, geht von den Beziehungen des Organismus zur Umwelt und zu andern Lebensformen aus und betont die Subsistenz der Individuen, d.h. ihr grösseres oder geringeres Losgelöstsein oder ihre Selbständigkeit. Da nun Ganzheit und Subsistenz die entscheidenden Elemente einer biologischen Definition des Individuums sind, lässt sich sagen, dass der Biologische Aufstieg eines Organismus um so höher ist, je stärker seine Ganzheit und Subsistenz und damit sein Individuumsein ist.Eindeutigkeit kommt allen genannten Kriterien nicht zu. Die Gründe für ihre Unschärfe sind verschiedener Art. Zunächst gibt es noch keine eindeutige und vollständige Definition des biologischen Individuums, so dass sich nicht eindeutig umreissen lässt, was einem Organismus eine stärkere oder weniger starke Individualität verleiht. Dann sind die Linien, über die sich Vervollkommnungen vollziehen und von denen die eine innerhalb des Bauplans bleibt (Anpassungsvervollkommnung), die andere aber über ihn hinausführt (Biologischer Aufstieg) so innig und in so eigenartiger Weise miteinander verflochten, dass sie sich nicht sauber scheiden und in ihren charakteristischen Merkmalen genau beschreiben lassen. Jeder Vertreter eines Bauplans, ganz gleich von welcher Ranghöhe, ist nämlich notwendig in eine Umwelt eingepasst und irgendwie spezialisiert. Es gibt keine Typen mit reinen Bauplanmerkmalen, die nach keiner Richtung hin eine Anpassungsvervollkommnung, sondern nur Merkmale des Biologischen Aufstiegs aufweisen. Schliesslich kennen wir fossil nur die Entfaltung oder Ausgestaltung der Grossbaupläne des Tierreichs, nämlich des Wirbeltierstammes und der verschiedenen Gruppen der Wirbellosen, nicht aber das Interessanteste und Wichtigste, nämlich ihren Biologischen Aufstieg zu der organisatorischen Höhe, mit der sie sich im Silur bzw. im Kabrium bereits vorstellen. Das erst würde einen tieferen Einblick in das Wesen des Biologischen Aufstiegs vermitteln.

---

Summary This article deals with the question of the criteria for the biological ascent (Biologischer Aufstieg) of the organic world, resting on fossil evidence. That is, of that improvement which is not only restricted to the framework of a given general structure (Bauplan) as is the improvement of adaptation, but which also leads beyond general structures (Baupläne) of differentiated levels to a higher type,e.g. from the fishes through the amphibians and reptiles to the mammals or birds. Two groups of criteria are discussed at length, their content exposed and their univocity for the characterisation of this biological ascent is examined. The first group includes the criteria of increasing differentiation and more harmonious integration. The basis for these is the morphological-physiological differentiation, or more exactly, the totality of the organisms,i.e., their variety-in-unity. The second group of criteria, increasing independence of environment and increasing individual autonomy, is derived from the relationships of the organism to its environment and to other living forms, and stresses the subsistence of individuals,i.e., their greater or lesser degree of independence or self-sufficiency. Now since totality and subsistence are the decisive elements in a biological definition of the individual, it may be said that the biological ascent of an organism is higher, the more perfect its totality and subsistence and therefore its individuality is.The criteria mentioned are not univocal. The reasons for this lack of clarity are varied. First of all, there is no univocal and complete definition of the biological individual, so that it cannot be exactly stated just what gives an organism a more or less perfect individuality. Then the lines, along which improvements are made, and according to which the one remains within the general structure (improvement of adaptation) and the other goes beyond the general structure (biological ascent), are so intimately and singularly bound together, that they cannot be cleanly distinguished, and their characteristic notes exactly described. For each representative of a general structure, regardless of its level, is necessarily fitted into an environment and somehow or other specialised. There are no types with only notes of the general structure which show in no direction an improvment of adaption, but only the signs of biological ascent. Finally, we only have fossil evidence for the development or deployment of the great general structures (Grossbaupläne) of the animal world, namely that of the vertebrates and of the different groups of invertebrates, not for the most interesting and most important, that is, their biological ascent to the level of organisation with which they are found in the Silurian or Cambrian periods. Only that would give us a deeper insight into the essence of biological ascent.

---

Résumé Ce travail pose la question des critères de la progression biologique (Biologischer Aufstieg), d'après les documents fossiles, dans le monde des organismes, c'est-à-dire de ce perfectionnement qui ne s'arrête pas à l'intérieur du cadre d'un phylum (Bauplan) donné, comme le perfectionnement de l'adaptation, mais qui conduit, au-de-là de phylums (Baupläne) de rang différent, à des types supérieurs, par exemple, des Poissons pas les Amphibies et les Reptiles jusqu'aux Mammifères ou aux Oiseaux. Deux groupes de critères y sont recensés en détail, leur contenu est exposé, et on les examine pour voir s'ils caractérisent sans ambiguïté la progression biologique. Le premier groupe comprend les critères de différenciation croissante et d'intégration harmonique. Ils sont fondés sur la différenciation morphophysiologique ou plus exactement sur la totalité des organismes, c'est-à-dire leur multiplicité dans l'unité. Le second groupe de critères, à savoir indépendance croissante du milieu et autonomie individuelle croissante, part des relations de l'organisme au milieu et aux autres formes vivantes et souligne la subsistence des individus, c'est-à-dire leur plus ou moins grande indépendence ou leur stabilité interne. Comme totalité et subsistence sont les éléments décisifs d'une définition biologique de l'individu, on peut dire que la progression biologique d'un organisme est d'autant plus élevée que sa totalité et subsistence et par là son être individuel sont plus accusés.Tous les critères mentionnés ne sont pas uniformes. Les motifs de leur imprécision sont divers. Tout d'abord, il n'y a pas encore de définition unique et complète de l'individu biologique, de sorte qu'on ne peut circonscrire d'une manière univoque ce qui confère à un organisme une individualité plus forte ou moins forte. Ensuite les lignées au-delà desquelles s'accomplissent des perfectionnements, et dont l'une reste intérieur au phylum (perfectionnement de l'adaptation), tandis que l'autre le transcende (progression biologique), sont entrelacées si intimement et d'une façon si particulière qu'elles ne se laissent pas séparer franchement et décrire rigoureusement selon leurs signes distinctifs. Tout représentant d'un phylum, peu importe son palier, est en effet nécessairement inséré dans un milieu et en quelque façon spécialisé. Il n'existe pas des types à caractères phylétiques purs, qui ne montrent dans aucune direction un perfectionnement de l'adaptation, mais seulement des marques caractéristiques de la progression biologique. Enfin nous ne connaissons pas les restes fossiles que le développement ou la formation des grands phylums (Grossbaupläne) du règne animal, à savoir du rameau des Vertébrés et des divers groupes des Invertébrés, mais non pas le plus intéressant et le plus important, leur progression biologique jusqu'au degré d'organisation qu'ils présentent déjà à l'époque du Silurien ou plutôt du Cambrien. C'est cela seulement qui permettrait une vue plus profonde sur la nature de la progression biologique.