Structure and Functions of Mesosomes of Gram Positive Bacteria

The most striking features which appeared on sections when bacteria were examined for the first time with the electron microscope fifteen years ago, were the high electron density of the cytoplasm and the lack of organelles. Thus, the usual structures and organelles apparent in thin sections of higher cells such as nuclear membrane, mitotic apparatus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and golgi apparatus seemed to be absent in bacteria, although it was obvious they must have an organized electron transport system and a mechanism for ensuring equipartition of genetic material during division.