Some features of a remarkable organelle in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

In thin sections of Bacillus subtilis certain organelles are observed situated either in the nuclear area from where they can extend into the cytoplasm, or in contact with the cell wall. Inside the nuclear area, the organelle is sometimes composed of concentric layers each seen to consist of two dense borders with a lighter interspace. In other instances, inside as well as outside the nuclear area, the organelles appear as clusters of delicately delimited vesicles. A typical site of occurrence is on the inner rim of the centripetally developing transverse septa, where it appears as a so called peripheral body (2). The micrographs strongly suggest that when the organelles are attached to the walls they have a function in cell wall formation.