INTERMEDIATE METABOLISM OF AEROBIC SPORES

Abstract

Clean, intact resting spores of B. cereus var. terminalis which were heat-shocked for 60 minutes at 65 C oxidized glucose, gluconate, 2-ketogluconate and pyruvate without germinating. These spores were inactive on disaccharides, other hexoses, or phosphorylated hexoses. Glucose oxidation was also activated by adenosine in the absence of heat. Optimal activation was observed only in spores aged for longer than 4 months. The activation stage was reversible but was lost on storage. Prolonged storage after activation led to an irreversible inactivation. All spore extracts, regardless of their origin, were equally active. Heat treatment prior to rupture elevated the activity of the extracts. The significance of these observations with respect to the state of dormant enzymes and spore germination is discussed.