Scanning electron microscopy of L‐phase streptococci

SUMMARY Protoplasts and L‐phase variants derived from Streptococcus fæium strain F24 were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Effects on morphology due to several osmotic stabilizers, the duration and kind of fixation, the type of specimen mounting, and the method of drying were examined. Conditions for optimal results were found which will allow further biological study of the L‐phase. Whereas air‐drying of broth‐grown L‐phase variants was satisfactory, agar‐grown colonies required the critical point method.