The surface structure of Escherichia coli.

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Abstract
Unfixed bacterial cells were quick-frozen at -190[degree]C, cut open at -30[degree]C and negatively stained for electron microscopy after the cytoplasm was removed. The surface of E. coli possesses finger-shaped elements protruding into the cell, channels in the underlying lipoid layers and discontinuities in the rigid layer and its associated structures. Changes in the appearance of these structures induced by various chemical and enzymatic treatments were correlated with the biochemistry of the cell wall.