Comparative ultrastructure of methanogenic bacteria.

Electron-microscopic studies using thin sections revealed that methane-producing bacteria were an ultrastructurally diverse group. Fine structure and morphological characteristics separated these bacteria into four discrete cell types. Methanogenic bacteria displayed a gram-positive cell wall that varied considerably among different cell types. Differences in granular inclusions, reserve materials, and intracytoplasmic membranes were observed. Unique ultrastructural features were not shared by all methanogenic species studies.