OBSERVATIONS ON THE NUCLEUS OF RESTING AND GERMINATING SPORES OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

Abstract

The position of the nucleus was studied after osmium fixation, hydrolysis with [image]/HC1 at 60[degree]C and staining with DeLamater''s SO2-thionin. The results confirm the fact that the Feulgen-positive chromatin is in the shape of a small compact body located at the extreme periphery of the cell and at times protuding above it. This aspect of the spore nucleus is regarded as an unavoidable artefact characteristic of the resting stage. In similarly treated germinating spores the nucleus is found invariably in a central position. Recent claims by Hunter and DeLamater (Jour. Bact. 63: 23-31. 1952), that in resting, hydrolysed spores the nucleus is always central, are due to the fact that germinated spores, in which peripheral nuclei are not to be expected,Were observed.