Abstract
THERE are abundant data in the literature indicating the applicability of the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller multilayer theory of site sorption to proteins and polyamides1,2. Vm, the first monolayer calculated by such treatment of the sorption data involving inert gases, has been shown to be related to the available surface area3. More recently, Benson et al.4 have determined Vm for several proteins from the nitrogen and oxygen sorption systems, and have shown that the values are much lower than the ‘monolayer’ determined from water sorption on similar proteins2. Their results are consistent with the physical size of their preparations as revealed by the electron microscope. Accordingly, the sorption of water molecules by protein is considered to involve a different process from the surface sorption of inert gases. Pauling5, Robinson6 and others have related the number of sites available for water sorption to the hydrophilic side-group linkages not only on the surface but also in the interior of the protein molecule.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dole, M., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 72, 414 (1950).
Bull, H. B., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 66, 1499 (1944).
Brunauer, S., “The Adsorption of Gases and Vapors” (Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1943).
Benson, S. W., and Ellis, D. A., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 70, 3563 (1948).
Pauling, L., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 67, 555 (1945).
Robinson, R. A., J. Chem. Soc., 1083 (1948).
Bernal, J. D., and Fankuchen, I., J. Gen. Physiol., 25, 111 (1941).
Lauffer, M., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 66, 1188 (1944).
Hauser, P. M., and McLaren, A. D., Indust. Eng. Chem., 40, 112 (1948).
Katchman, B., Ph.D. Thesis, 1950, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
Livingston, H. K., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 66, 569 (1944).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
KATCHMAN, B., CUTLER, J. & McLAREN, A. Sorption of Water Vapour by Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Nature 166, 266–267 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/166266a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/166266a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
