Observations on the Formation of Connective Tissue Fibers.

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Abstract
Small plaques of connective tissue fibers that had developed in vitro from explants of chick embryo skin were examined with the electron microscope. The predominant fiber type observed, referred to as the unit fiber, measured 50 m[mu] or less in diam. and so in the usual sense of the word was submicroscopic. Parallel associates of 10 or more of these produced the compound, optically visible fibers. The unit fibers were striated with bands spaced either evenly at 250 A or grouped into clusters of 3 with an over-all length of about 650 A. This compound banding is characteristic of collagen. A 2d fibrous material suspected of representing a component of the connective tissue ground substance also was observed. It showed simple striae or bands arranged at intervals of 1000 A to form strands.