THE PRODUCTION OF SPHEROPLASTS BY RAPID-GROWING NON-VIRULENT MYCOBACTERIA

Abstract

Spheroplasts were produced in five strains of rapid-growing non-virulent mycobacteria in a variety of media. Optimal spheroplast production occurred after 8–10 days of incubation in the presence of glycine and lysozyme, but in no culture was there complete formation of spheroplasts. While the pattern of spheroplast induction appeared to be specific for each strain and to be highly reproducible, the mechanism of the induction process is unknown.