Function of the Peptide Antibiotic, Gramicidin S, in its Producer, Bacillus brevis Nagano.
Abstract
The natural function(s) of the peptide antibiotic, gramicidin S (GS) in its producer, Bacillus brevis Nagano, was investigated. Particular attention was paid to the possible role of GS in the differentiation process: sporulation, spore properties and germination. The GS-producing parental strain and a GS-negative mutant of this strain were compared. Sporulation rate and efficiency, sporulation-associated events (except for GS production) were similar in both strains. Mature parental and mutant spores were equally resistant to heat, ultraviolet irradiation and solvents. Germination initiation in both strains was rapid and both responded similarly to a spectrum of germinants tested. Thus the lack of GS synthesis impaired none of these properties. Outgrowth, however, was affected. In the presence of exogenous GS, spore outgrowth was inhibited. Whereas mutant spores proceeded through outgrowth and entered vegetative growth quickly, parental spores remained in outgrowth several hours longer. Extraction of GS from the parental spores reduced the outgrowth delay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA104262
Entities
People
- Jacqueline Marie Piret
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology