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. 1972 Oct 31;136(5):1258–1271. doi: 10.1084/jem.136.5.1258

STUDIES ON GONOCOCCUS INFECTION

II. FREEZE-FRACTURE, FREEZE-ETCH STUDIES ON GONOCOCCI

John Swanson 1
PMCID: PMC2139312  PMID: 4628335

Abstract

Gonococci have been studied by electron microscopy after freeze-cleavage, freeze-etching and the findings correlated with those obtainable through thin sectioning and negative staining. The outer membrane of the cell wall is composed of round to hexagonal subunits 80 A in diameter. This membrane is also punctuated by 80-A holes visible on the exterior of the organism and extending into the substance or through the outer membrane. Pili coursing over the surface of the organisms appear to maintain a close anatomical relationship with the cell wall. In some instances, the surfaces of the organisms are virtually covered by a layer of pili.

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Selected References

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