[Oxygen consumption by suspensions of Bacillus anthracoides spores]

The respiration rate of spore suspensions of Bacillus anthracoides 96 was assayed by mass spectrometry employing a hermetically sealed reaction vessel constructed for this purpose. The rate of respiration was found to depend on the method of preparing suspensions, the duration of their storage at +4 degrees C, the physiological state of spores, and the action of a disinfectant containing chlorine on them.