Amylopectin accumulation in Clostridium botulinum type E

An intracellular polysaccharide composed of glucose subunits and structurally resembling amylopectin was isolated from vegetative cells of Clostridium botulinum type E. Chemical and microscopic methods were employed to demonstrate amylopectin accumulation. Polysaccharide granules appeared in the cytoplasm 6 hours after inoculation, accumulated rapidly during early logarithmic growth, and reached a maximum concentration just before the onset of sporulation. With the exception of two non-toxic strains of C. botulinum type E, all strains examined demonstrated the ability to store a similar polysaccharide. The possibility that amylopectin may function as an endogenous source of carbon and energy is discussed.