A Microcultural Study of the Growth of Cystites, Cocci and Rods of Arthrobacter globiformis

SUMMARY: During the transition from cocci to rods of Arthrobacter globiformis grown under constant conditions in perfusion microculture, the shape of the original coccus was maintained for many hours during a sequence of multiple bud formation. Buds matured into rods in which the tips were phase-dark. Cross-wall formation, which cut off the buds from the parent cells, occurred by centripetal growth. V-forms were produced by angular growth, germination of adjacent cocci and slow bending division. Rods could be transformed into cystites by omitting fixed nitrogen from the medium. Cystites were capable of budding on restoration to complete media. Budding, originally occurring at the poles of the cystite, also occurred at the middle of the cystite, following the growth of a cross-wall at this point.