The morphology and cytology of Bacterium malvacearum , E. F. S

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Abstract
Bact. malvacearum has hitherto been described as possessing no internal structure or reproductive bodies, and as multiplying solely by transverse fission. A technique is described for staining the bacteria with- out previous drying or fixing. Using this technique, several structures and a variety of different morphological forms have been observed in this organism. An internal central structure is described, which passes through a division cycle, which is correlated with the division of the cell-body, and is suggestive of nuclear division. Small granules with a strong affinity for basic dyes are described. These are formed in the wall of the cell and are liberated by simple extrusion, or grow out on a stalk from the end of which they are freed. These bodies resemble the "gonidia" of other writers. The occurrence and mode of formation of spherical coccus-like bodies in old cultures is described. "Giant-cells" and other atypical forms have been found to occur in old cultures.