Biochemical changes during sporulation of Bacillus stearothermophilus

The process of sporulation was studied in Bacillus stearothermophilus. A medium is described that supports good growth and sporulation of the organism. In this medium, which contains glucose, salts, and amino acids, acetate starts to accumulate before any of the glucose is catabolized. Enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle are present at all times during growth and sporulation and are found in dormant spores. As the glucose in the culture is consumed, acetate rapidly increases and the pH of the medium drops. The acetate rapidly disappears during sporulation and the pH rises. Dipicolinic acid appears during sporulation and several key-enzyme activities fluctuate in a characteristic pattern.