Action of Some Analogs of Nitrosoguanidine on the Chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis

SYNOPSIS. Several analogs of N‐methyl‐N'‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (NG) share with it the property of rendering Euglena permanently unable to form chloroplasts (i.e., of “bleaching” Euglena ). All the active compounds contain an N‐alkyl‐N‐nitrosamine group. Analogs in which the nitroso group is replaced by a nitro group or by a hydrogen atom do not bleach. The possible mode of action of alkylnitrosamines is discussed.