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Abstract
The morphology of Mycoplasma mycoides was well preserved after washing and suspension in buffered 0·4 m-sucrose solutions, but the survival of viable particles was no better, and the loss of ultraviolet (u.v.)-absorbing substances and the decrease of turbidity was no less than in hypotonic solution (0·01 m-tris HCl or 0·01 m-Na2HPO + KH4PO4). The addition of Mg2+, Ca2+, spermidine or spermine (increasing order of activity) decreased the decrease of turbidity and loss of u.v-absorbing substances. Ca2+ and Mg2+, but not spermine, increased the degree of survival of viable particles. Ethylenediaminetetra-acetate (EDTA; 0·01 m) increased the loss of u.v.-absorbing substances, and decreased the turbidity and degree of survival. Ca2+, Mg2+ and spermine annulled the effects of EDTA on loss of u.v.-absorbing material and on the turbidity, but only Ca2+ prevented the lethal effect of EDTA. Filaments disappeared and cell volume increased when the organisms were transferred from hypertonic to hypotonic solutions ; the shape changes were reversible.
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