Germination Requirements of Bacillus macerans Spores

Abstract

2-Phenylacetamide is an effective germinant for spores of five strains of Bacillus macerans , particularly in the presence of fructose. Benzyl penicillin, the phenyl acetamide derivative of penicillin, and phenylacetic acid are also good germinants. l -Asparagine is an excellent germinant for four strains. α-Amino-butyric acid is moderately effective. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, adenine, and 2,6-diaminopurine are potent germinants for NCA strain 7X1 only. d -Glucose is a powerful germinant for strain B-70 only. d -Fructose and d -ribose strongly potentiate germination induced by other germinants (except l -asparagine) but have only weak activity by themselves. Niacinamide and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, inactive by themselves, are active in the presence of fructose or ribose. Effects of p H, ion concentration, and temperature are described.