ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON THE STRUCTURES OF PATHOGENIC FUNGI. I. ON THE STRUCTURE OF ULTRATHIN SECTIONS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS

Abstract

By means of ultrathin section and electron microscopic technic the fine structures ofCandida albicansin yeast phase grown on Sabouraud's dextrose agar were revealed. Fixation of specimens proved to be superior in revealing the fine structures using a 2 % potassium permanganate aqueous solution (at room temperature for 48 hours) than with an osmic acid solution. Embedding was done in a routine method. The results obtained were as follows:The cell wall, relatively thick, consists of the three layers, two electron less dense ones divided by a dense interspace. The cytoplasmic membrane, very thin, is recognized.The nuclear apparatus is surrounded by a continous double-membraneous layer with pores; The nucleolus-like structures are observed as an electron dense region.The mitochondria with cristae mitochondriales are also surrounded by a continous double-membraneous layer as in the nucleus.The endoplasmic reticulum seems to be connected with the outer layers of both nucleus and mitochondria. The structures resembling the lamella, potassium permanganophilic uniform granules and vacuoles are also observed inside the cytoplasm.