Inducible beta-glucosidase synthesis during germination and outgrowth of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372 spores.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of germination processes in the expression of the beta-glucosidase enzyme in Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372 spores.


RESULTS
Enzyme activity was monitored in germinating and non-germinating spores of B. subtilis ATCC 9372. The expression of beta-glucosidase by spores of B. subtilis was further investigated in the presence of a germination inhibitor, d-alanine, and a transcription inhibitor, novobiocin. Detection of enzyme activity required the presence of the germinant, l-alanine, as well as the inducer, 4-methylumbelliferryl-beta-d-glucoside. Furthermore, beta-glucosidase synthesis was abolished in the presence of d-alanine or novobiocin.


CONCLUSIONS
The data obtained in this study indicated that beta-glucosidase was not pre-existing, or merely attached to the spore, but was synthesized de novo during spore germination.


CONCLUSIONS
The requirement of functional germination processes for the detection of beta-glucosidase activity makes this enzyme a good candidate for detection of spore viability.
Chandrapati
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Infection Prevention Instruments and Equipment Management, Medical Division, 3M Health Care, St Paul, MN, USA. schandrapati@mmm.com
Woodson
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LP
D000409:Alanine / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D001216:Asparagine / Q000378:metabolism; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D005632:Fructose / Q000378:metabolism; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D005990:Glycerol / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007477:Ions / Q000378:metabolism; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000378:metabolism; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D001617:beta-Glucosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D007477:Ions; D008670:Metals; D005632:Fructose; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D001216:Asparagine; D001617:beta-Glucosidase; D005947:Glucose; D000409:Alanine; D005990:Glycerol