Studies on Bacterial Spore Resistance and Regulation of Activation.

Abstract

Highlights of work on spores of Bacillus subtilis in the past performance period have included demonstration that: (1) the zymogen of the spore protease GPR autoactivates, and that autoactivation is stimulated by low pH, dipicolinic acid and dehydration; (2) most of the propeptide of GPR is not needed for zymogen stability or autoprocessing; (3) the decrease in forespore pH in B. subtilis sporulation is responsible for 3-phosphoglycerate accumulation; (4) alpha/ beta-type small, acid-soluble proteins in spores protect DNA against killing by freeze-drying, dry heat and several organic hydroperoxides, by preventing DNA damage; (5) DNA repair during spore germination is an important component of resistance of spores to agents that kill spores through DNA damage; and (6) spore resistance to peroxides is not due to the presence of protective enzymes such as catalases or alkylhydroperoxide reductases in spores.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA322933

Entities

People

  • Peter Setlow

Organizations

  • University of Connecticut Health Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Sciences
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Chemistry
  • Enzymes
  • Freeze Drying
  • Genes
  • Germination
  • Heat Energy
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Peracetic Acid
  • Peroxides
  • Proteins
  • Regulations
  • Resistance
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • Scientists
  • Spores

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology