A better understanding of the inhibitory and and linolenic acids on pneumococci at a concenstimulating effects of fatty acids on the growth of tration of 40 ppm, whereas 200 ppm exerted a microorgankisms may contribute to a clearer bactericidal influence. Streptococci were someappreciation of some general nutritional probwhat more resistant; according to Walker (82) lems, such as: they were inhibited by 100 ppm fatty acid soaps. a. Can dietary fat fulfill a nutritional function Antibacterial properties of some fatty acids in higher organisms other than as a source of were demonstrated later with pure cultures of calories or as a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins gram positive cocci belonging to the Micro-(including the essential unsaturated fatty acids)? coccaceae (micrococci and staphylococci) and b. Can the resistance of higher organisms Lactobacteriaceae (pneumococci and streptoagainst infectious diseases be related to the in-cocci). Kodicek and Worden (49) succeeded in take of fat with the diet? inhibiting growth of Streptococcus agalactiae and c. Can the effect of fatty acids on unicellular Staphylococcus albUs with 16-32 ppm linoleic organisms be related to the fatty acid metaboacid. Humfeld (44) discussed the inhibition of