Extraneous X-Ray Diffraction Patterns from Algal Flagella

Abstract

WE should like to sound a warning that might save other workers in this new and difficult field from some of the troubles that have beset our own investigations. Our aim has been to obtain X-ray diffraction diagrams of oriented preparations of the flagella of algae, sperm, etc., of a standard comparable with those already obtained with bacterial flagella¹, and it was in fact believed that an encouraging advance towards this end had been achieved a few years ago². Now, however, it has become apparent that it is much easier to discover diagrams of metabolic by-products and various other artefacts than of the flagella substance proper.