Electron Microscopy of Leptospires I. Anatomical Features of Leptospira pomona

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Abstract
Anatomical features of L. pomona are described. Most cells in the logarithmic phase of growth, when examined in whole cell "negative-stained" preparations, display a homogeneous finely granular protoplasmic cylinder. Some cells contain discrete or complex lamellar structures. The cell termini are attached to the protoplasmic cylinder by a membrane system. Each organism appears to have two independent axial filaments originating from opposite ends of the cell. The axial filaments are composed of a closely knit bundle of some 12 to 15 individual strands. A simple model suggesting a locomotory function for the axial filaments is presented. A superficial callouslike mass is occasionally observed in the cell''s terminal region. The enveloping sheath is similar to the cytoplasmic membrane; both are triple-layered and ca. 50 A thick. The sheath preferentially forms blebs at the cell termini and midway along the protoplasmic cylinder. Septal-wall formation occurs at the mid region of the cell, and it is concluded that simple transverse binary fission is the predominant mode of reproduction.

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