The cortical peptidoglycan from spores of Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis is not highly cross-linked.
Determination by amino acid analyses of the percentage of diaminopimelic acid in the spore cortex of Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis which is involved in interpeptide cross-links gave values of 31 to 37%. This finding supports the idea that the cortex volume could undergo significant changes in response to changes in pH or ionic strength and could thus play an active role in reducing the water content of the spore protoplast during sporulation.
Popham
D L
DL
Department of Biochemistry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-3305.
Setlow
P
P
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D001410:Bacillus megaterium / Q000737:chemistry*; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D003960:Diaminopimelic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D010457:Peptidoglycan / Q000737:chemistry*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry*
D000596:Amino Acids; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D010457:Peptidoglycan; D003960:Diaminopimelic Acid