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J Bacteriol. 1970 August; 103(2): 504-512
Copyright © 1970 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Site of Initiation of Cellular Autolysis in Streptococcus faecalis as Seen by Electron Microscopy

M. L. Higgins, H. M. Pooley1 and G. D. Shockman

a Department of Microbiology and Fels Research Institute, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140

ABSTRACT

Low concentrations of glutaraldehyde (0.1% or higher) blocked cellular and wall autolysis. The site of autolytic activity was studied by allowing cell autolysis to proceed for very short periods (0 to 15 min) before addition of glutaraldehyde. Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections showed that the primary site of autolytic activity was the leading edge of the nascent cross wall. The base of the cross wall seemed more resistant than the tip. Evidence supporting the involvement of autolysin activity in continued wall extension and in cell separation as well as in the initiation of new sites of wall extension was obtained. In cells exposed for 10 min to chloramphenicol, wall dissolution was very much slower but occurred at the same cross wall site.

FOOTNOTES

1 Present address: National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7, England.

J Bacteriol. 1970 August; 103(2): 504-512
Copyright © 1970 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Shockman, G. D., Higgins, M. L., Daneo-Moore, L., Mattingly, S. J., Di Persio, J. R., Terleckyj, B. (1976). Studies of Balanced and Unbalanced Growth of Streptococcus mutans. JDR 55: A10-A18  


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