ESTUDIOS DE FISIOLOGIA VEGETAL. I ACCION DE LA INSULINA SOBRE LA CELULA VEGETAL

Resumen

The present paper deals with some studies of the action of Insulin on plant cells. Using Lilly's Insulin, 20 units per c.c., in doses of three drops, pure; and in water solutions of one, two and three parts per thousand, the results obtained were:
a). A marked activation on the germination process of seeds of Triticum vulgare Vill. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. var.
b). An increase in the development of bacteria and yeasts from the "aguamiel" (liquid produced by different species of Agave, from wich a fermented beverage "pulque", is made), observed both in the case of mixed and pure cultures.
c). The complete absence of flowers on the plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var., otherwise normal, originated from seeds soaked in an Insulin solution for 96 hours, previous to planting.
From these facts the general conclusion is reached that lnsulin affects the metabolism of plant cells, favoring their division and development, and that its action may be so important as to destroy the flowering of some plants.
Further studies will be undertaken with the purpose of trying to establish the mode of action on different plant cells and the effect of varying doses of lnsulin.