The morphology and cytology of bacterium malvacearum, E. F. S. Part II.—Reproduction and cell-fusion

Abstract

In a earlier paper (Stoughton, 1929) an account was given of certain observation on the morphological and cytological changes undergone by Bacterium (Pseudomonas) malvacearum , E. F. S., the causal organism of the angular leaf-spot disease of cotton plants. A central, deeply-staining body was demonstrated in the bacterium, and by means of a special staining technique the changes through which it passes were traced. The structure divides simultaneously with the division of the cell-body and the method of this was described. Further evidence was assuced tending to show that this body is of the nature of a true bacterial nucleus or, alternatively, a nucleus embedded in a matrix of “chromatic” material. The formation and liberation of very small deeply-staining bodies, which appear to be identical with the “gonidia” of other workers, were described.