Light and electron microscopic studies of protoplast development during Entomophaga grylli pathotype 2 infections in Melanoplus differentialis

Light and electron microscopic observations were made of protoplast changes during Entomophoga grylli pathotype 2 infections of Melanoplus differentialis. Protoplast development was divided into three stages: amoeboid, developing, and mature protoplasts. Each stage was characterized by changes in protoplast and organelle morphology. Amoeboid protoplasts were amoeboid in shape, exhibited movement, and contained very few lipid droplets. Developing and mature protoplasts were rounded in shape and contained increasing amounts of lipid droplets. Morphological changes were also observed in dense bodies, nuclei, and cell membrane as the protoplasts matured.