Demonstration of ribosomes in mesosomes associated with Bacillus subtilis protoplasts

The physiological differences between Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) cells derived from a glucose-salts-yeast extract (GSY) medium and those of cells from tryptose broth permitted the identification of variables in protoplasting environments which noticeably affected the clarity of mesosomal ribosomes. They were the sucrose and magnesium ion concentrations and the type of buffer used. The environment suitable for conversion of GSY cells to the protoplast state was a 0.02 M tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-hydrochloride buffer, pH 7.2, containing 0.6 M sucrose and 0.03 M MgCl(2). Branched mesosomal tubules and a unique organization of vesicles were detected in thin sections and in negative stains of the specimens. Ribosomes were demonstrable in the extruded structures associated with protoplasts that had been prepared according to four fixation schedules and embedded in either of two epoxy plastics. Adjustments in the fixation schedules improved the clarity of the large bodies of protoplast cytoplasm to a degree equivalent to that of their dangling appendages.