ELECTRON MICROSCOPE SURVEY OF THE SURFACE CONFIGURATION OF SPORES OF THE GENUS BACILLUS

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Abstract
Twenty species and four varieties were examined using a carbon replica technique. The majority of the species are readily distinguished by their surface patterns and the remainder can be narrowed down to pairs with similar sculpturing. Spore surfaces may be smooth, as in B. sphaericus, or complex, as exemplified by the pronounced ribbing of B. polymyxa and B. macerans. The shapes of the spores also vary from spherical, as in B. pasteurii, to oval, as in B. pulvifaciens, to long cylindrical, as in B. alvei, Photographs of spores of all the species are included and concise descriptions are given, indicating the value of the method as a taxonomic aid.