[Structural changes in Mycobacterium rubrum cells under the influence of chloroethylamine]

Chloroethylamine was used to differentiate the membranous structures of bacterial cells whose physiological role becomes more pronounced under the action of this substance. The following changes were found: in the synthesis of the cell wall as a result of modifications in the structure of mesosomes which control the correct orientation of growth and cell division; in the nucleoid and nucleoidosomes; in the analogues of mitochondria characterizing the level of energy metabolism and in the analogues of the endoplasmic reticulum accompanied with changes in the synthesis of metabolites and reserve substances in the cells. Changes in the structure and ultrastructure of the bacteria under the action of irradiation and the radiomimetic substance chloroethylamine are analyzed.