The Life Cycle of Sporing Actinomyces as revealed by a Study of their Structure and Septation

Abstract

Using staining methods described by Robinow for demonstrating Feulgen-positive chromatinic structures and bacterial membranes, the life cycles of 4 sporing actinomycetes have been followed. The nuclear body of the mature spore divides and partition products of this enter into germination tubules that go to form the primary mycelium. Transverse septa, although formed, are not readily demonstrable and are often rudimentary. Where 2 parts of a filament or 2 different hyphae touch, an initial cell is formed which gives rise to the secondary or aerial mycelium. Transverse septa are very marked in these mycelia and often result in their break up into single cells. Spores are formed from these secondary mycelia, the process being accompanied by characteristic changes of chromatin structures. Chroma-tinic filaments appear lying at right angles to the long axis and the author is of the opinion that 2 of these go to the formation of the chromatinic body of the spore.