CYTOCHEMICAL AND FREEZE-ETCHING STUDIES OF ULTRASTRUCTURE OF A RICKETTSIELLA IN A CRUSTACEAN

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. B128  (2) , 177-+
Abstract
Several characteristics of the intracellular cycle of Rickettsiella are elucidated, particularly regarding the envelope and the cytoplasm of dense forms (elementary bodies) and the protein inclusions of giant bodies. Cleavage faces were displayed by freeze-etching, at the level of cell wall and of plasma membrane. Their characteristics approach those of gram-negative bacteria and are practically common to all the stages. Appearance and significance of a polysaccharide cement joining the outer membrane of the cell wall to the inner membrane (plasma membrane) in the dense forms are discussed. The arrangement of ribosomes and the structure of the nucleoid are described. A 6 nm lattice periodical structure is shown in the proteinic inclusion. Significance of these data for a classification of Rickettsiella and chlamydia is discussed.

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