Micromorphology ofCryptococcus neoformans

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Fine details of the internal and external morphology ofCryptococcus neoformansas seen in ultrathin sections are described and illustrated with electron micrographs. The capsule characteristic of this species contained microfibrils (30 to 40 A in diameter) that appeared to radiate from the cell wall and to coil and intertwine in various directions. These thin, uniformly structured, electron-dense filaments are believed to represent complex polysaccharide molecules. The internal morphology ofC. neoformanswas in many ways similar to that of yeasts studied by other authors. The cell was uninucleate with a single nucleolus. The nuclear envelope, a pair of unit membranes interrupted by pores, was typical of that found in eucaryotic organisms. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, vacuoles, storage granules, and ribosomes were consistent features of the cytoplasm. In addition,C. neoformanspresented membranous organelles derived from the plasma membrane and comparable to bacterial mesosomes and mitochondria of an annulate type.