Intrasporangial Germination and Outgrowth of Bacillus subtilis Prespores

Abstract

Heat-sensitive prespores of B. subtilis were induced to germinate and outgrow while they are still enclosed within the mother cell. This intrasporangial germination was obtained by transferring sporulating cells to rich medium after treatment with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride or toluene, or after subjecting them to cold-shock. The morphology of intrasporangial germination and outgrowth is described, and some possible explanations of the phenomenon are considered.