A reversible inhibition of the germination of bacterial spores

Abstract

The germination of Bacillus subtilis spores in stationary aerobic culture is inhibited by p-chloro-m-cresol. Spores inhibited in this way can be recovered and induced to germinate by the addition to stabilized cultures of the non-ionic surfactant, polysorbate (Tween) 80. In this way the stabilization of the germination process by the inhibitor may be reversed after periods of stabilization of up to 21 hours. The inhibitor may interfere with an enzymatic lytic activity responsible for germination initiation. A denaturation process is not indicated.