[Comparative study of the functions of the spheroplasts and cells of the blue-green alga Anabaena variabilis].

The effect of light was studied with the spheroplasts of the blue-green alga Anabaena variabilis. Contrary to the intact cells, the spheroplasts did not synthesize nucleic acids and pigments in the light. These components of the spheroplasts were decomposed in the light, and the remaining chlorophyll was incapable of luminescence. The rate of oxygen uptake increased upon the incubation of the spheroplasts in the light. Changes of the functions induced by lysozyme in the cells of A. variabilis are irreversible, contrary to those which are caused by the incubation in the darkness and can be restored if the cells are transferred into the light.