GASEOUS HYDROCARBONS AND THE GERMINATION OF BACTERIAL SPORES

Abstract
Several pure C3-C9 hydrocarbons have marked effects on the germination of spores of various Bacillus species. Straight- and branched-chain paraffine and olefine compounds were active and similar in their effects. Spores which can be germinated by alanine and inosine are reversibly inhibited by the hydrocarbons, whereas spores which can be germinated by glucose are also germinated by hydrocarbons. Primary alcohols resemble the hydrocarbons in their effects on the 2 types of spores. A possible mode of action of the hydrocarbons is discussed.