title: Growth and macromolecular synthesis of spheroplasts of Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468.
abstract: The growth and synthesis of macromolecules in spheroplasts of Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468 were found to be in a balanced state. Spheroplasts were not lysed during preparation and subsequent incubation, and were not contaminated with whole cells. Limited growth of spheroplasts was not due to depletion of medium constituents. High molar concentrations of osmotic stabilizer did not inhibit balanced growth. These studies establish that spheroplasts are metabolically active and can be used as a tool in cell wall synthesis and in genetic studies.
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism; D003470:Culture Media; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D013104:Spheroplasts / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media