Electron microscopy analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell division.
The ultrastructure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells undergoing division was examined by electron microscopy. Two features of cell division were observed and are described here. First, cells are capable of undergoing a type of "snapping" postfission movement. This movement is likely due to a multi-layered cell wall in which the inner layer participates in septum formation while the outer layer ruptures first on one side. A second feature related to cell division is the ability of dividing cells to form transient branching structures.
Dahl
John L
JL
School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Science Hall, Room 301, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. johndahl@wsu.edu
D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*