LYSOZYME AND MORPHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS INDUCED IN MICROCOCCUS LYSODEIKTICUS

Abstract

Lysis of M. lysodeikticus by lysozyme is due to enzymatic destruction of the cell wall. The end results of lysis differ in appearance under the electron microscope, depending on the ionic strength of the suspending medium. Following the action of lysozyme, disruption of the protoplast occurs immediately in double distilled water whereas ghost formation rather than disruption is observed in a medium having osmotic pressures equal or similar to an 0.85% soln. of NaCl. Dense and highly opaque intracellular granules are not destroyed by lysozyme although desoxyribonucleic acid is liberated from the cells and contributes to the high viscosity of the lysed suspension. Alcian blue is an excellent cell wall stain for this organism and, when saturated with this dye, complete inhibition of lysis occurs. Lysis of cells only partially saturated with Alcian blue results in liberation of most of the dye into the suspending medium.