Myxobacteria
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article describes myxobacteria, also known as slime bacteria, which are organisms found on decaying organic matter that exhibit a unique life cycle involving vegetative growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. It notes the historical uncertainty regarding their classification and independent existence, mentioning the term 'polyangids' as an alternative designation.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
MYXOBACTERIA, or slime bacteria, are found on the manure of herbivorous animals, on rotting wood, etc.; in most cases, they form colonies colored yellow or orange. Two periods are distinguished in the development of the bacteria: vegetative growth and false fruiting. In the first period, they appear as rods 5–15 μ in length and 1 μ or less in thickness; the rods multiply by division and secrete a large quantity of slime, in which the entire mass of bacteria is embedded; a so-called false “plasmodium” is formed. In some places of such a plasmodium, outgrowths are formed, consisting of slime and bearing swellings at their ends. The outgrowths represent stalks, and the swellings at their ends represent fruiting bodies; in the latter, in special cysts, are round or elongated spores approximately 1 μ in diameter; the size of the fruiting bodies is up to 1 mm. Bacteria develop from the spores. The independent existence of myxobacteria is not recognized by everyone; there are also doubts regarding their classification as bacteria; in view of this, the group of Myxobacteria has currently received the name polyangids.
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Cite this page
“Myxobacteria.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.com/article/myxobacteria/