[Morphogenesis and the fine structure of Stibiobacter senarmontii]

The morphogenesis and fine structure of Stibiobacter senarmontii were studied during its cultivation in the autotrophic conditions of growth in a mineral medium as well as in a medium containing yeast extract. The morphology of the organism was shown to be variable. A young culture was represented mainly by rods with three flagella. Coccoid, club-shaped and branching forms were observed during aging of the culture. The cells multiplied by irregular division and by breaking along the partition of the parent cell. The latter process yielded cell aggregates looking like rings and hieroglyphs. Electronograms revealed a complex membrane apparatus, polyribosomes, large electron-transparent inclusions, and unknown electron-dense inclusions in the nuclear zone. The cell wall looked on cross-sections as a three-layer structure. The assignment of St. senarmontii to Gram-positive bacteria is discussed. The morphogenesis of this organism suggests that it is related to the coryneform group of bacteria.