Cytological studies on Mycobacteria IV

Calcium metabolism of Mycobacterium 607, with special reference to the cytological effects of calcium-radio isotope (⁴⁵Ca)

Abstract

Though calcium is not an essential element, it is absorbed into the bacterial cell and certain amount of calcium is used for early growth of Mycobacterium 607.
But, calcium seems to be absorbed into the bacterial cell by selection. Also, the radioactivity (β-ray) of calcium-radio isotope (⁴⁵Ca) seems to inhibit the septa-formation which is done during the cell division in early stage of growth.
Accordingly, the bacterial cell becomes longer than usual one.