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. 1968 Nov;96(5):1818–1834. doi: 10.1128/jb.96.5.1818-1834.1968

Cytology of Spore Formation in Clostridium perfringens1

Judith F M Hoeniger 1,2, Philip F Stuart 1,2, Stanley C Holt 1,2
PMCID: PMC315246  PMID: 4302300

Abstract

The sequential morphological events in spore formation by Clostridium perfringens type D were observed in Ellner's medium where 80 to 100% of the cells formed spores. Gross structural changes were studied with the light microscope under phase-contrast, and in fixed cells by the use of both nigrosin and Giemsa preparations. Fine structure was examined with the electron microscope in both thin sections and frozen-etched preparations. During the first 3 hr of incubation, the original rod-shaped cells became ellipsoid to ovoid in shape; by 5 to 6 hr, subterminal spores had developed within these enlarged cells. The fine structural sequence was in most respects identical to that in other Bacillaceae, although some stages were illustrated with particular clarity. A unique feature was the development of a convoluted, membranous exosporium which adhered to the outer surface of the two coats and had an unusual fine structure resembling a rectangular array of subunits.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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