[Submicroscopic structure of the membrane apparatus of methanotrophic bakteria]

The fine structure of the membrane apparatus in obligate methanotrophic bacteria, Methylomonas methanica, Methylomonas rubrum 15 and Methylobacter bovis 53b was studied. Complex intracytoplasmic membrane systems of the I type were found in all cultures, but they differed by their structure and spatial organization depending on microorganisms. The cytoplasmic membrane was shown to be involved in the formation of complex membrane structures. A scheme of the spatial organization of the intracytoplasmic membrane systems on the basis of studying serial sections of the methanotrophs is suggested. The formation of the membranex packs is supposed to be a continuous process in Methylomonas methanica and Methylomonas rubrum but a discrete process in Methylobacter bovis.