Biomaterial Database

Three-dimensional reconstruction of whole cells of Streptococcus faecalis from thin sections of cells. 1976

M L Higgins

A new ultrastructural technique has been developed to study the geometry of cell wall assembly in Streptococcus faecalis, which is believed to occur between pairs of raised bands located on the organism's surface. Three-dimensional reconstructions of these new regions of envelope growth are produced from the mathematical rotation (around a central axis) of various measurements taken from central, longitudinal thin sections of cells. These reconstructions can be used to calculate the surface area and volume of the septal and peripheral walls that were supposedly present in any given cell before sectioning. In an accompanying paper, it is shown how such surface and volume estimations, coupled with other measurements of length, thickness, and curvature, can be used to characterize a cycle of envelope growth in this organism. The validity of the assumptions used to reconstruct cells by rotation and the possible sources of error in using this technique are discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008433	Mathematics	The deductive study of shape, quantity, and dependence. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Mathematic
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D002473	Cell Wall	The outermost layer of a cell in most PLANTS; BACTERIA; FUNGI; and ALGAE. The cell wall is usually a rigid structure that lies external to the CELL MEMBRANE, and provides a protective barrier against physical or chemical agents.	Cell Walls,Wall, Cell,Walls, Cell
D001431	Bacteriological Techniques	Techniques used in studying bacteria.	Bacteriologic Technic,Bacteriologic Technics,Bacteriologic Techniques,Bacteriological Technique,Technic, Bacteriological,Technics, Bacteriological,Technique, Bacteriological,Techniques, Bacteriological,Bacteriologic Technique,Bacteriological Technic,Bacteriological Technics,Technic, Bacteriologic,Technics, Bacteriologic,Technique, Bacteriologic,Techniques, Bacteriologic
D013293	Enterococcus faecalis	A species of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria commonly isolated from clinical specimens and the human intestinal tract. Most strains are nonhemolytic.	Streptococcus Group D,Streptococcus faecalis