THE PHOTOTROPIC EFFECT OF POLARIZED LIGHT

For the growing cell of Phycomyces, a difference in the phototropic effect of light is described depending on its plane of polarization with reference to the axis of the cell. The difference which is found is primarily due to differences in the reflection losses at the cell surface. The magnitude of the effect approximates that deduced from the theory of phototropism suggested for this system. No specific effect of plane polarized light on the growth processes of the cell need be postulated.