Outer Layers of the Azotobacter vinelandii Cyst

Ruthenium red stained a capsule external to the exine of the Azotobacter cyst. The central body is therefore surrounded by three layers, the intine, the exine, and the capsule, all containing acid mucopolysaccharide. Vesicles that appear to originate from the contracting cell membrane of the central body may account for the lipid content of the intine. The exine is composed of laminated sheets that tend to fragment into hexagonal pieces.