Abstract
Under the phase microscope C. diphtheriae cells are almost transparent, usually divided into compartments by cross septa, and are markedly pleomorphic. Dead cells stained to show cell structure are very similar to living cells in appearance. The intermedius strain differs from the gravis and mitis strains, each cell showing many cross septa dividing it into small compartments. When C. diphtheriae cells are grown in a Mg-deficient medium division does not take place and the cells appear as long filaments. Cells grown in medium containing tellurite or selenite are colored due to intra-cellular deposits of these elements.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: