[Investigation of living and flattened microorganisms (author's transl)]

In 1973 one of the present authors described a new method of cytological observation based upon flattening of living cells. This method was tested with several microorganisms as bacteria, fungi and algae. The application of the method allows the clear resolution of cytological structures that are otherwise obscured or can hardly be recognized. In addition cellular motion and development can be followed much better than by usual methods of cell culture. In certain objects (yeasts and fungal hyphae tips) all cellular organelles are forced into one plane of focus and are thus resolved simultaneously even at highest magnification. Different species especially among the yeasts exhibited quite varying intracellular contrast of mitochondria.