Changes in the Bacterial Cell Brought about by the Action of Germicides and Antibacterial Substances as Demonstrated by the Electron Microscope

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Abstract
The electron microscope has revealed structural changes in bacteria dependent upon, (a) penetration of heavy metal ions or molecules into the bacterial cell and interaction with the inner bacterial protoplasm; (b) the formation of surface films of antibody upon bacterial flagella and cell-walls; the thickness of these films is compatible with their being monomolecular, but this need not necessarily be the correct interpretation; (c) the impregnation of a capsule outside the bacterial cell-wall, a great increase in size and density resulting. The electron microscope is thus shown to be a new analytical tool for investigating the mode of action of at least some germrcidal and antibacterial substances.

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