Scanning electron microscopy of Acholeplasma colonies on agar

The colony formation and morphology of Acholeplasma laidlawii and of an Acholeplasma species was studied by scanning electron microscopy. In the colonies of both Acholeplasma spp. large irregularly shaped cells, spherical cells, chains of beads, and long filaments with small bulbous distensions were seen. The membrane of some of the large cells seemed to be perforated, giving the cell a pitted appearance.