EFFECT OF ENZYME INHIBITORS ON THE GERMINATION AND RESPIRATION OF AND GROWTH FROM BACILLUS CEREUS VAR. TERMINALIS SPORES

Abstract

A well-cleaned suspension of spores of B. cereus var. terminalis in water germinates normally -rapidly and nearly completely - when incubated at 30[degree]C in 6m[image] L-ala-nine and 12 [mu][image] adenosine following heat shock for 30 minutes at 65[degree]C. A batch of spores of B. terminalis produced in metal pilot plant failed to germinate normally due to contamination of the spores with some metal. Germination and also the alanine racemase of the spores was inhibited by ions of Fe, Cu, Cr or Hg. Glutathione, thioglycolate or a variety of sequestering agents could reverse this inhibition. Respiration and growth from spores were also inhibited by metal ions, but manganese or magnesium ions had no appreciable effect on germination or respiration. None of the enzyme inhibitors tested inhibited the germination of the spores though a few inhibited subsequent respiration and growth to varying degrees. Some of the enzyme inhibitors could reverse inhibition of germination by metal ions.