Scanning electron microscopy of bacterial colonies. I. Diplococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes

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Abstract
A topographic study of the colonies of Diplococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes was made by means of scanning electron microscopy. The colonies of D. pneumoniae were round and entire with gradually sloping sides and an area of autolysis at the top of the colony. The area of autolysis had a convoluted, stippled surface devoid of intact cells or cell remnants. Colonies of S. pyogenes are rounded, dome-shaped colonies with steep sides. An amorphous supporting matrix was seen under the top layer of cells in the colony of S. pyogenes. The chemical composition of the supporting matrix in the streptococcal colony and the material which makes up the surface of the area of autolysis is unknown. This study establishes that the scanning electron microscope is a useful tool for observing the topography of bacterial colonies.

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