[Ultrastructural observation of E. coli K12 treated with antibacterial peptide CM4].

The effect of antibacterial peptide CM4 of Bombyx mori against E. coli K12 was investigated using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructural changes of E. coli K12 were observed by the challenge of the purified antibacterial peptide CM4. The results showed that the antibacterial peptide caused a series of pathological changes on E. coli. SEM and TEM revealed aggregates of bacteria and SEM revealed wrinkled bacterial surfaces in the early stage. Thereafter, plasmolysis was observed with irregular holes appearing in the two ends of bacteria and the cytoplasmic contents of the cells leaking out. Finally, bacteria became empty vesicles and disintegrated into small fragments subsequently. Comparatively, the bacterial membrane was normal and the bacterial structure remained intact in the control group.