Properties of Aged Spores of Bacillus subtilis
Abstract
We show that spores incubated at 37°C on sporulation plates for up to 98 days have lost almost all mRNAs and rRNAs, yet the aged spores germinated and outgrew as well as 2-day spores, and all these spores had identical viability. Thus, it is unlikely that spore mRNA, rRNA, or protein synthesis is important in spore germination. Spores incubated for 47 to 98 days also had much higher wet heat resistance than 2-day spores, suggesting that spore “age” should be considered in generating spores for tests of sterilization assurance. These data are the first to show complete survival of hydrated spores for ∼100 days, complementing published data showing dry-spore survival for years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1128/jb.00231-19
Entities
People
- Emily Camilleri
- George Korza
- Jianhui Yuan
- Joshua Green
- Melissa J. Caimano
- Peter Setlow
- Yong-qing Li
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- East Carolina University
- National Institutes of Health
- University of Connecticut