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The Free Energy of the Sulfhydryl-Disulfide Oxidation-Reduction System and its Physiological Significance

Citation

Ellis, Emory Leon (1934) The Free Energy of the Sulfhydryl-Disulfide Oxidation-Reduction System and its Physiological Significance. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/b5h3-tw60. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03132024-205158064

Abstract

[Summary]

Complete thermodynamic data are presented concerning two organic sulfhydryl-disulfide oxidation-reduction systems (cysteine: cystine and β-thiolactic acid: ββ'-dithiodilactic acid). These data include heat capacity measurements on the crystalline substances from 90° to 298° K, heat of combustion determinations, solubility measurements and determinations of the ionization constants of dissociable groups in the molecules.

The method of calculating from these data the reduction potential for any conditions of concentration, pH, and temperature is discussed. The results of such calculations for several sets of conditions are submitted.

The relationship of the sulfhydryl-disulfide system to the process of cell division is discussed and experimental evidence is submitted which shows that sulfhydryl substances have no direct connection with the process of cell division.

The role of oxidation-reduction systems in intracellular metabolism is discussed. From the available experimental data relating to the function of -SH substances in living tissue, an hypothesis of the general function of these substances is developed and discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Biology)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Unknown, Unknown
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1934
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:03132024-205158064
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03132024-205158064
DOI:10.7907/b5h3-tw60
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:16325
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:14 Mar 2024 18:18
Last Modified:14 Mar 2024 18:19

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