Effect of cations on activation of Bacillus popilliae spores

Splittstoesser, D. F. (Cornell University, Geneva, N.Y.), and D. F. Farkas. Effect of cations on activation of Bacillus popilliae spores. J. Bacteriol. 92: 995-1001. 1966.-Cations affected the rate at which dormant Bacillus popilliae spores were heat-activated. Maximal rates were achieved in calcium solution at pH 7 or in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer at pH 9 to 10. A combination of calcium plus an alkaline pH, however, retarded activation. The rates also were markedly reduced by potassium and hydrogen ions but were not affected by sodium, cesium, or lithium. Divalent cations may be required for activation since ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid also inhibited, and potassium was shown to be competing with calcium for some active site.