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Endocytic uptake of Escherichia coli spheroplasts by Neurospora crassa slime cells

An ultrastructural study

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Summary

Interaction of Escherichia coli spheroplasts with Neurospora crassa slime cells was examined by transmission electron microscopy after treatment with polyvinyl alcohol followed by dilution with the high pH-high Ca buffer. Bacterial spheroplasts were found either adhering to the flat surface, associating with the invaginating surface, or residing within the intracellular vesicle of fungal protoplasts. In addition, bacterial spheroplasts free of the surrounding vesicles and those in the course of breakdown were observed in the fungal cytoplasm. It was concluded that Escherichia coli spheroplasts are taken up by Neurospora crassa protoplasts almost exclusively via endocytosis. This is the first cytological evidence for the endocytic activity of fungal cells.

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Tanaka, N., Fukunaga, Y., Hasezawa, S. et al. Endocytic uptake of Escherichia coli spheroplasts by Neurospora crassa slime cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 19, 296–299 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00251854

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00251854

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