Physiological and Biochemical Aspects of Spore Formation and Germination

摘要

The physiology and biochemistry of spore formation and germination, and spore morphology, were investigated. Chemical germination of spores with long chain alkyl amines, with inorganic ions, and with gaseous hydrocarbons is described. The effects of exchangeable ions on germination responses were measured and quantitative aspects were elucidated with Ca45. Inhibition by diazomethane of germination and ion exchange properties was demonstrated. Methyl dipicolinate monoester was isolated from spores, and biosynthesis of dipicolinate by Pencillium citreo-viride was investigated. The effects of gaseous hydrocarbons on diverse biological systems are described, and studies of hydrocarbons as substrates for microorganisms were carried out. Isolated spore coats were characterized chemically and by electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of spore integuments was studied with the aid of sodium hypochlorite. Evidence was obtained for a permeability barrier in spores through study of unfixed spores. A number of previously unreported bacterial structures ('Spore Appendages') are described in detail. These include a ribbonlike appendage for Clostridium taeniosporum nov. sp., and 4 appendage types for C. bifermentans: smooth tubular, hirsute tubular, featherlike, and pinlike appendages. A correlation between spore morphology and chemical and physiological properties of Bacillus megaterium strains is noted. Germination of spores of a strain of B. megaterium with lysozyme was demonstrated. (Author)