CELL WALL REPLICATION: I. CELL WALL GROWTH OF BACILLUS CEREUS AND BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

Abstract

Cell wall replication of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium was studied by differential labelling with fluorescent and non-fluorescent antibody.Growth of new cell wall in B. cereus was initiated near the poles. In the old wall, additional new wall segments gradually developed to form an alternating pattern of new and old wall segments. Further growth elongated the new wall and pushed the old segments apart. Separation of daughter cells appeared to involve splitting of the transverse septa laid down at or near the old wall segments.Growth of new cell wall of B. megaterium was initiated either at one of the poles or at the central area of the cell. Multiple segments of new and old wall appeared along the cell length. Further elongation was followed by formation of transverse septa and separation of daughter cells incorporating either old or new wall segments.Our evidence clearly shows that growth and elongation of the two bacilli do not occur by diffuse intercalation of new cell wall into the old.