INTERACTION OF HEAT, GLUCOSE, l -ALANINE, AND POTASSIUM NITRATE IN SPORE GERMINATION OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

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Abstract
Either glucose or L-alanine supports spore germination of B. megaterium, but only glucose is utilized for postgerminative development. Higher concentrations of L-alanine than of glucose are required for equivalent germination, and the initial rate of germination is much more rapid in glucose than in L-alanine. Germination occurs at a higher initial rate when glucose and L.-alanine are used in combination than when these compounds are used singly. KNO3 increases the initial: rate of spore germination in glucose or in L-alanine. Heating of spores decreases the concentration of glucose or of L-alanine required for spore germination, and increases both the initial rate and the total amount of germination. KNO3 alone supports germination of heated, but not of unheated spores. The fundamental stimulant for germination may be a substance which is present within the spore. Heating of spores may increase internal production of this germination requirement. The heat-released substance is inadequate to support germination by itself (perhaps because of low concentration), but will react with added glucose, or with KNO3, to increase the germination rate. The identity of the postulated heat-released stimulant is unknown, but it may be L-alanine or related to it.