Lysis Of Myxococcus Xanthus

Abstract

Myxococcus xanthus lyses not only in old cultures but also when suspended in solutions of monovalent cation salts. This lysis is slow at 37[degree] and lower temperatures, but is very rapid at 45[degree] and 60[degree]. Organisms in distilled water do not lyse at any temperature. Lysis is more rapid at high pH values, in broth or in solutions of monovalent cation salts; it is optimal in c. 0.03 M solutions of the salts. During lysis the cell wall weakens and empty spherical protuberances develop at the ends or in the middle of the organism. Finally, the dense material of the protoplasm disappears except for an occasional granule, and only single or paired spherical ghosts remain.