THE CYTOLOGY OF AN AVIAN STRAIN OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS STUDIED WITH THE ELECTRON AND LIGHT MICROSCOPES

Abstract

The cell of this organism consists of a thin, highly ductile cell wall, a thin cytoplasmic membrane, a poorly stain-able cytoplasm containing many rod-like micelles of unknown nature, a number of cell sap vacuoles (several to 20), and 1-5 nuclei (mostly 2-4). Dimensions of these structures are given. The cell sap vacuoles contain material in soln. and, usually, nearly spherical micelles, apparently a by-product of metabolism. The resting nucleus consists of a lipid-containing chromatin layer and a core that stains red with Giemsa''s soln. A similar structure was observed in the resting nucleus of Escherichia coli. In submerged cultures, the cells are embedded in slime of unusual properties it is highly stainable and highly opaque to the electron beam. Old technics are evaluated and new technics of electron and light microscopy are given and discussed in their relation to the physico-chemical properties of the cell and cellular structures.