Observation of the swarming of Proteus mirabilis with scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis was examined on an agar surface with scanning electron microscopy after critical-point drying. Groups of swarm cells were covered by a thin cocoon. The cocoon appears identical with the slime found covering the agar surface behind rafts of swarm cells. Swarm cells possessed numerous appendages that resemble peritrichous flagella in number, size, location, and attachment to the cells.