This study was designed to determine the effect of inorganic phosphate in the growth media of A. vinelandii on the synthesis and accumulation of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cellular morphology. Burk's media with no added phosphate and ten times normal phosphate resulted in altered cells, lower levels of protein, and decreased cell populations. PHB accumulation was much higher in the cultures with no added phosphate; however, the polymer granules differed in appearance from those of normal cells and had a decreased rate of utilization. The amount of PHB deposited in cells grown in media containing ten times the normal phosphate level was lower than that found in regular media.

In view of the discrepancies and conflicts produced by previous studies on amphibian lymph hearts, a study was initiated to reinvestigate the pharmacological, temperature, and electrical aspects of lymph heart physiology. Bullfrogs were chosen as the experimental animal, All lymph heart responses to experimentation were physiographically recorded as myograms and electrograms. The results are in agreement with previous studies on some aspects and in conflict on others. From the results obtained, lymph heart muscle appears to possess both skeletal and cardiac muscle properties as evidenced by drug responses and reactions to temperature. The precise components of the electrogram remain unclear. It is suggested that further investigation should be made to better determine the true nature of lymph hearts.

An illustrated key to the adults and known nymphs of Texas Plecoptera is provided. Species accounts, including geographic distribution within Texas, and biological notes are given. Of the twenty-seven species of Plecoptera known from Texas, six are new state records. TWo species new to science, Isoperla jewetti and Isoperla coushatta are described. Taeniopteryx starki Stewart and Szczytko, Zealeuctra arnoldi Ricker and Ross, and Zealeuctra hitei Ricker and Ross are endemic to the Edwards Plateau area of Texas. Two species, Mesocapnia frisoni (Baumam and Gaufin) and Isoperla jewetti New Species are western in origin. The remaining nineteen species (excluding Anacroneuria) are typically eastern species.