Structures in E. Coli Resembling Chromonemata

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Abstract
Bacteria in the early log phase of growth were suspended in 5% citric acid and immediately subjected to sonic vibration for 45 min. then separated by centri-fugation into a dark and a light fraction. The heavy segmented fraction obtained at 900 g. was suspended in distilled water and a drop of the suspension on a collodion film supported by a wire mesh was frozen on a block of solid CO2. The frozen material was then evacuated and shadowed with chromium. When viewed in the electron microscope, dual helically coiled structures resembling chromonemata of higher plants were visible. Also, the particles of the heavy fraction were approximately equal in size to the Feulgen-positive bodies of the unbroken cells. When the heavy fraction was analyzed for purine and pyrimidine content by chromatography and spectrophotometry it indicated a concentration of nuclear material.

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