title: Ultrastructural features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
abstract: The ultrastructure of Mycoplasma pneumoniae cultivated in broth on glass and plastic surfaces was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The organisms grew as filaments, which by over-crossing eventually formed a dense network on the surface and in colonies composed mainly of rounded and elongated forms. The filaments were usually thinner at the ends and terminated with a knob-like structure. Some filaments possessed short ramifications which also ended with a knob, and others showed constrictions. Sectioned organisms were seen to contain ribosome-like structures. Many organisms had a specialized structure at their thinner end, which consisted of a dense rod surrounded by electron-lucent cytoplasm and ending with a platelike thickening.
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003470:Culture Media; D003593:Cytoplasm; D005898:Glass; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development; D010969:Plastics
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D010969:Plastics