Some Features of the Fine Structure and Chemical Composition of Rhizobium trifolii

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Abstract
The conspicuous, large, high refractive index, sudanophilic granules of Rhizobium trifolii appeared to be aggregations of polymeric [beta]-hydroxybutyric acid probably closely associated with the cytoplasm. They became more conspicuous as the organism aged provided that carbohydrate was in excess. A well-grown culture contained 40-50% polymer based on cell dry weight Relatively large cytoplasmic granules (50-80 m[mu]) were a feature of this organism whether in fixed and sectioned cells or in material shadowed after mechanical disintegration. Classical "double" (? lipoprotein) membranes were demonstrated both for the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane. Carefully fixed and embedded material often showed an accumulation of material between the two double membranes especially at one or both ends without any evidence of gross damage in the sectioned organisms.