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Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Visualization of Germinosomes and the Inner Membrane in Bacillus subtilis Spores
Published on: April 15, 2019
Spore germination: Two ion channels are better than one
1Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA pe19@nyu.edu.
Abstract:
Germination is the process by which spores emerge from dormancy. Although spores can remain dormant for decades, the study of germination is an active field of research. In this issue of Genes & Development, Gao and colleagues (pp. 31-45) address a perplexing question: How can a dormant spore initiate germination in response to environmental cues? Three distinct complexes are involved: GerA, a germinant-gated ion channel; 5AF/FigP, a second ion channel required for amplification; and SpoVA, a channel for dipicolinic acid (DPA). DPA release is followed by rehydration of the spore core, thus allowing the resumption of metabolic activity.
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