GROSS MORPHOLOGY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM

Abstract

The ultrastructure and gross morphology of M. gallisepticum strains JA and W were studied with an electron microscope. Intact specimens were grown on Parlodion membranes, fixed with formaldehyde and studied in situ. Sectioned specimens were grown on agar and were prepared for study by conventional sectioning technic. Grossly, single and multiple (as many as four) protrusions were frequently observed extending from the surface of cells of the W strain. Single short protrusions extended from many of the cells of strain JA. In sectioned material, rows of what appeared to be developing elementary bodies (as many as four) were observed in cells of strain W, whereas, single, apparently developing elementary bodies were observed in strain JA. In both strains, these bodies were located within the protruding areas of the cell wall. The inclusion-containing portions of the cell appeared to be the protrusions which extended from the surface of the intact cell.