Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
08:58
Visualization of Germinosomes and the Inner Membrane in Bacillus subtilis Spores
Published on: April 15, 2019
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Morphological Changes in Spores during Germination in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis
Takashi Tsugukuni1,2, Naofumi Shigemune2, Motokazu Nakayama2
1Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University.
Biocontrol Science
|December 7, 2020
Summary
Bacillus spores release cellular material during germination and form unique structures from their spore coat during outgrowth. These structures, observed via microscopy, break down as the cells grow.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Bacterial spores, like those of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, can enter a dormant state.
- Understanding the transition from spore to vegetative cell is crucial for controlling bacterial growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the morphological changes during Bacillus spore germination and outgrowth.
- To identify the origin and fate of structures formed during these processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Employed SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and freeze substitution.
- Applied confocal laser scanning microscopy with fluorescently labeled antibodies.
Main Results:
- Observed spherical structures on spore surfaces, suggesting cellular material leakage, within 30 minutes.
- Identified hemispherical and central-holed discoid structures on elongating Bacillus cereus cells at 360 minutes.
- Confirmed these structures originated from the spore coat and detached during outgrowth.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus spore germination involves the leakage of internal components.
- Specific spore coat-derived structures are transiently formed during the outgrowth phase.
- These findings provide detailed morphological insights into bacterial spore development.
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