Aggregation of Protein Particles in Tumour Cells

Abstract

IN Walker tumour cells, during experiments carried out with deoxyribonuclease, the formation of particular globules, namely those rising from the aggregation of protein particles (ribosomes), were noted¹. A similar aggregation occurs^2,3, normally in the oocytes of some animal species (Patella coerulea, Aplysia depilans, Haliotis lamellosa, Paracentrotus lividus, Sphaerechinus granularis, Arbacia lixula), which form yolk globules. Observations on the effect of deoxyribonuclease on supravital material confirmed the concept that in the tumour cell there are a large quantity of unorganized ribosomes (‘scattered ergastoplasm’), which are not oriented to form identifiable products of synthesis.