MORPHOLOGY OF SPORE DEVELOPMENT IN CLOSTRIDIUM PECTINOVORUM

Abstract

The process of spore formation in Clostridium pectinovorum was followed by phase-contrast microscopy and by thin-section electron microscopy employing a polyester plastic for embedding. The development of the forespore membrane was found to be similar to that already described for the genus Bacillus being, in addition, accompanied by considerable cell enlargement. The cortex as in the bacilli was found between the apposed layers of the double forespore membrane. The spore coat was laid down in the narrow zone of cytoplasm peripheral to the outer forespore membrane. As these layers formed striking changes occurred in the fine structure of the spore nuclear material (mesosomes and ribosomes) reflecting the marked alterations in physical environment known to occur in a developing spore.