A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FREE AMINO ACID POOL, DIPICOLINIC ACID, AND CALCIUM FROM RESTING SPORES OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

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Abstract
All of the free amino acids and calcium dipicolinate are released from disrupted spores of Bacillus megaterium to a hot water extract. Chromatographic resolution of the extract reveals six free amino acid spots and the dipicolinate running as a two-limbed band through the chromatogram. Overlapped by the alanine spot, the dipicolinate area can be recognized by its strong absorption in the ultraviolet region and the slow development of a permanent blue color with ninhydrin. Acid hydrolysis of an eluate from the ultraviolet-absorbing area releases five other amino acids. These can be separated chromatographically from the dipicolinate which now no longer migrates as a band but moves as a discrete spot. Calcium appears to be essential for the maintenance of this "complex" between dipicolinate and amino acids. The possible significance of such a combination in the spore is discussed.