[Structural study of Mycoplasma by a scanning electron microscopy method].

Scanning electron microscopy was applied to the study of Mycoplasma arthritidis, Myc. gallisepticum, and Acholeplasma laidlawii. Small spherical elements (0.3--0.5 micrometer) formed a reticular "framework" of the colonies in which larger (1--1.5 micrometer) spheroid or irregular-shaped cells (in case of Myc. gallisepticum) and also rod-shaped (1--3 micrometer), filamentous (3--5 micrometer) forms and "large bodies" (5 x 3--8 x 3.5 micrometer) were located. Apparently the latter represented conglomerates of adherent spheroid elements that resembled somewhat "large bodies" of L-forms. Small spheroid buds were revealed on the surface of all the elements.