ブドウ球菌L型菌のフリーズフラクチャー法による解析

L-form cells are generally pleomorphic and show variety in size ranging from 0.2μm to more than 10μm in diameter. We investigated the ultrastructure of the cell membrane of such variable L-form cells derived from Staphylococcas aureus 209P in terms of membrane particle distribution by freeze-fracture replica electron microscopy. The specimens were prepared by immediate freezing in liquid nitrogen without any chemical fixatives followed by freeze-fracture with Eiko FD-2. We focused on the structure of the P face only. The particles were densely dispersed on the cell membrane of mediumsized cells (0.4-4μm). Large (>4μm) and small (0.2-0.4μm) cells showed very few particles. In conclusion, the medium-sized cells were growing actively, while large and small cells were not growing.