Abstract
The release of Ca and dipicolinic acid from spores of Bacillus megaterium KM during L-alanine-induced triggering of germination was studied using a new, simple and rapid assay for dipicolinic acid capable of detecting a concentration of 0.5 .mu.M. The release of both Ca and dipicolinate started within seconds of exposure of the spores to L-alanine, thus preceding other measurable changes associated with germination. From the earliest times, the 2 substances were released in equimolar quantities, although later in germination Ca predominated.