Abstract
The fine structure of C. albicans was studied by electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. In yeast-like cells, the cell wall is made up of two layers, and the cytoplasmic membrane is resolved into two dense layers separated by a light layer, which correspond to the components of the unit membrane. The nucleoplasm is enclosed in the nuclear membrane, which is also made up of the unit membrane and in which nuclear pores are apparent. The intracytoplasmic membrane system in manifold appearance is observable. Especially the structures resembling the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in higher organisms are noted. This intracytoplasmic membrane system is seen to be connected to the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes as well as to the mitochondria-like structures. Formazan granules appear to deposit in correspondence with the site of the intracytoplasmic membrane system. The chlamydospores are surrounded by the thick cell wall, and rich in lipids. The internal membrane is also observed in the chlamydospores, though indistinctly. The fine structure of the pseudomycelial forms is not greatly different from the yeast-like forms.
