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Large bodies of Mycoplasma and L-form organisms
Abstract:
The large bodies of various Mycoplasma and L-form organisms were studied by ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy of preparations stained with various fluorochromes. Primuline and Thioflavine S specifically stained the outer portion or rim of the large bodies, and the fluorescence characteristics of the stained bodies differed from those for other microorganisms and for spheroplasts and protoplasts. Small granular structures similar in size and morphology to minimal reproductive units were observed within some of the large bodies by phase microscopy and by fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange or Coriphosphine O. Micromanipulation probing of the large bodies revealed their elastic nature; many of the large bodies could be subdivided into two or more smaller circular bodies, each retaining the fluorescence staining properties of the parent body. Under these conditions, however, a few of the large bodies were ruptured, leaving the stainable outer boundary area as a stable residual structure. The large bodies were somewhat resistant to various rigorous treatments normally employed to eliminate viability of Mycoplasma and L-form cultures. Structures similr to large bodies were observed in various natural tissues, and structures resembling large bodies in size, morphology, fluorescence staining characteristics, and reaction to micromanipulation probing were reconstructed from an acetone extract of egg yolk. Overall, the large bodies of Mycoplasma and L-form organisms appeared to be structures resulting from accumulations of metabolic by-products and medium components within or on which minimal reproductive units had become entrapped, although it could not be ruled out that they might be defined structures specifically formed during culture as protective lipoidal sacs for the minimal reproductive units.
Insights
Large bodies in Mycoplasma and L-form organisms are likely metabolic by-products trapping reproductive units. These structures, resistant to elimination, resemble those found in natural tissues and can be reconstructed from egg yolk components.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma and L-form organisms present unique morphological challenges.
- Understanding the nature of large bodies in these organisms is crucial for their study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the large bodies of Mycoplasma and L-form organisms using advanced microscopy.
- To investigate the composition and origin of these structures.
Main Methods:
- Ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy with specific fluorochromes (Primuline, Thioflavine S, acridine orange, Coriphosphine O).
- Phase microscopy.
- Micromanipulation probing.
- Analysis of resistance to culture elimination treatments.
Main Results:
- Large bodies stained specifically at their outer rim, differing from other microbial structures.
- Minimal reproductive units were observed within large bodies.
- Large bodies exhibited elastic properties and could be subdivided, with some leaving stable residual outer boundaries.
- These structures showed resistance to treatments designed to eliminate Mycoplasma and L-form viability.
- Similar structures were found in natural tissues and reconstructed from egg yolk extracts.
Conclusions:
- Large bodies are proposed to be accumulations of metabolic by-products and medium components, entrapping reproductive units.
- An alternative hypothesis suggests they are protective lipoidal sacs formed during culture.
- The findings offer insights into the complex life cycle and morphology of Mycoplasma and L-form organisms.