CHAPTER V 



MINUTE STRUCTURE OF THE BACTERIAL CELL 



Introduction. Notwithstanding the fact that the bacteria 

 are among the smallest organic bodies known, many facts have 

 been determined in -regard to their minute structure. Up to 

 the present time, however, our knowledge is very elementary. 

 Little can be learned regarding the minute anatomy of the 

 bacterial cell when in a viable state or in a stained prepara- 

 tion under the ordinary microscope, even when magnified 

 1000 to 2000 diameters. Much more must be learned in 

 regard to the anatomy and chemistry of the bacteria be- 

 fore we can have a complete understanding of bacteriolog- 

 ical processes in general. It is probable that the new ultra- 

 violet microscope when perfected will be of value in working 

 out the structure of bacteria. It has seemed advisable to con- 

 sider the subject-matter of this chapter under two separate 

 heads, the histology and the chemical structure. 



Histology of the Bacterial Cell. The cells of all species 

 of bacteria are composed of that common organic substance 

 termed protoplasm, cell sap, and a limiting membrane similar 

 to some plant and some animal cells. 



Cell Wall. The protoplasm is said to be naked in a great 



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