L FORMS ISOLATED FROM A STRAIN OF SERRATIA
Journal of Bacteriology
|October 1, 1963
Summary
Serratia L-forms exhibit two colony types, S-1 and S-2, influenced by environmental factors. The study reveals that large bodies directly multiply, forming granules, a basic reproductive process in L-forms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- L-forms are bacterial variants lacking cell walls.
- Pleuropneumonia-like organisms share similar reproductive characteristics with L-forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and reproductive processes of L-forms isolated from Serratia.
- To determine the factors influencing colony type development in Serratia L-cultures.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of L-forms from a Serratia strain.
- Cultivation and observation of two distinct colony types (S-1 and S-2).
- Microscopic examination of reproductive processes and cell morphology.
Main Results:
- Two colony types observed: S-1 (typical L-colonies) and S-2 (resembling bacterial colonies).
- S-2 colonies primarily composed of large bodies undergoing multiplication via enlargement, deformation, and segmentation.
- Identified granular multiplication within aggregates, enclosed by an envelope, as a fundamental reproductive mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Colony morphology in Serratia L-forms is environmentally determined.
- Large bodies are capable of direct multiplication, contributing to the observed growth patterns.
- The basic reproductive process involves granular multiplication, consistent with other L-forms and pleuropneumonia-like organisms.
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