Protective role of spore structural components in determining Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to simulated mars surface conditions

Abstract

Spores of wild-type and mutant Bacillus subtilis strains lacking various structural components were exposed to simulated Martian atmospheric and UV irradiation conditions. Spore survival and mutagenesis were strongly dependent on the functionality of all of the structural components, with small acid-soluble spore proteins, coat layers, and dipicolinic acid as key protectants. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology.