Plasmodiata (plasmodiata)

pl. [NL.: see plasmodium.] Plasmodiate organisms: a synonym of Mycetozoa when these are regarded as animals. E. R. Lankester. IMG:content-0355.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-0356.png:[blocks in formation] Physiologists have come to use the word "protoplasm" for one of the chemical substances of which Schultze's protoplasm is a structural mixture-namely, that highest point in the chemical elaboration of the molecule which is attached within the protoplasm, and up to which some of the chemical bodies present are tending, whilst others are degradation products resulting from a downward metamorphosis of portions of it. This intangible, unstable, all-pervading element of the protoplasm cannot at present be identified with any visibly separate part of the cell-substance. This "critical" substance, sometimes called "true protoplasm," should a uredly be recognized by a distinct name " plasmogen . ” Encyc . Brit ., XXIV. 817. plasmogony (plas-mog'ō-ni), n . [ πλάσμα , a molded figure, + -yovía, generation: see- gony.] The generation or origination of an organism from plasma. Ro iter. plasm ology (plas-mol'ō-ji), n. [ bot., the contraction of the protoplasm in ac tive cells under the action of certain reagents. When the solutions employed are more dense than the fluids within the cell, a certain amount of water will be withdrawn from the contents of the cell by exosmotic action, thereby causing a shrinking which can easily be noted under the microscope, and, when the density of the solution is known, will allow the experimenter to ascertain within very narrow limits the density of the contents of the cell and the relative degree of turgidity.