Ultrastructure of Rothia dentocariosa

Rothia dentocariosa was seen as a typical prokaryotic cell, lacking nuclear envelope, mitochondria and a reticulum with ribosomes. The plasma membrane was located close to and parallel to the wall. The outer limits of the wall were associated with what may be capsular or slime material. Chain-like filaments of thick walled coccoid cells underwent septation both transverse and parallel to the long axis of the chain. Side branching and terminal clavate forms were also present. These clavate forms may represent specialized cells during the life-cycle. Fragmentation of the chain resulted when the outer wall ruptured to release the coccoid bodies.