Influence of Ionizing Radiation on the Physiology of Spores of Clostridium Botulinum
Abstract
A method for producing, harvesting, and cleaning large numbers of spores of Cl. botulinum 62A is presented. The method enables the rapid and easy microscopic determination of physiological age. Germination studies were conducted by the use of both chemical and physical agents. Chemical agents included metabolites and non-metabolites. Physical agents were high level gamma irradiation and sonication with superbrite glass bead. The criterion of germination was the loss of dye refractility as determined by the uptake of dilute methylene blue. From a study of these specimens it appeared that a structure arose from the cytoplasmic membrane, migrated to the longitudinal axis of the cell, and established a synthetic site for spore components. The core was synthesized first, then surrounded sequentially by the inner transparent zone, the outer dense zone, and the exosporium. The participation of the cytoplasmic membrane in establishing an active synthetic site for sporulation became evident; however, elucidation of its role in subsequent stages of the process will require investigation by techniques which give greater specificity in the electron image.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0611359
Entities
People
- Gwendolyn Stewart
- S. J. Deal
Organizations
- West Virginia University