Mechanisms of Resistance in Microbial Spores.
Abstract
Pursuant to the goals and objectives of the project, the following principal results were obtained: (1) the native peptidoglycan in the cortex around the dormant spore protoplast has low electrical conductivity and is highly cross-linked, contrary to results usually reported; (2) the water within the entire spore is in a free state and exchangeable by diffusion with external water; (3) hydrostatic pressure enhances the heat killing of spores; (4) the primary targets in the thermal inactivation of spores are crucial proteins of the protoplast; (5) the sporocidal mechanism of action of heat and peroxides is oxidation involving the formation of chemical radicals; (6) mineralization of spores increases their resistance to thermal inactivation; (7) polyhydroxybutyrate occurs in spores only dispersed, complexed with other biopolymers, in small amounts, and at low molecular mass; (8) a major book on basic methods for general and molecular bacteriology was edited and authored in part by the co-principal investigators; (9) claims for the revival of bacterial spores and even vegetative cells after desiccation for millions of years within amber were assessed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 02, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344208
Entities
People
- Phillipp Gerhartdt
- Robert E. Marquis
Organizations
- Michigan State University