Changes in Cation Concentration in Spores of Bacillus licheniformis During Germination Induced by L-alanine

Abstract

Dormant spores and partially germinated spores of Bacillus licheniformis were analyzed for 5 cations by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of Ca, Mn, Mg, Zn, and Fe in dormant spores were 15,553, 7,764, 1,013, 188, and 14 ppm, respectively. As the dormant spores germinated in response to L-alanine, Ca decreased 50 and 75%, Mg 20 and 25%, Zn 20 and 45%, and Mn approximately 100% in 80 and 95% germinated spores, respectively. No significant change In Fe occurred during germination of spores. © 1971, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.