Abstract
The multiplication of an unstable spheroplast type L-form of E. coli K12(λ) inst I was investigated by light microscopic and electron microscopic methods. The L-form cells were grown under the influence of penicillin in broth and on agar media. They show wall defects of different degrees. 5 types of multiplication could be differentiated morphologically: Multiplication by single site constriction, multiplication by multiple site constriction, multiplication by cell formation at the top of an outgrowth of cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, multiplication by intracellular fragmentation as a result of asymmetric invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane, and multiplication as a consequence of fragmentation by formation of intracellular membranes. In larger cells different modes of multiplication can occur simultaneously. The results show that the mode of multiplication in unstable spheroplast type L-form cells of E. coli K12 (λ) inst I does not only depend on some physical factors of the environment but also on the extent of disturbance in the cell envelope system. Obviously, the cytoplasmic membrane and intracellular membranes play an important role in the multiplication processes.
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