A study of rubidium accumulation in Euglena gracillis.

The absorption of Rb(+) by Euglena gracillis var. bacillaris was examined, and an active uptake process could be detected within 1 hour. This was established by experiments that included a time course study and metabolic depression by either reducing the temperature or by addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol. By treating the cells with 0.50 mg/ml chloramphenicol, the rate of glycine incorporation and Rb(+) uptake were inhibited. The possible role of protein synthesis in relation to ion accumulation is discussed.