Compact structure of cortical peptidoglycans from bacterial spores

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Abstract
Cortical peptidoglycans isolated from Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213 and Bacillus cereus strain terminalis by chemical extraction of decoated spores were found to have few free amino groups, indicative of a high level of peptide cross-linking, low mineral contents, indicative of low levels of net negative charge, and low dextran-impermeable volumes, indicative of compact structures. Moreover, they had little capacity to swell or shrink in response to changes in environmental pH value. Overall, the data indicated that the cortical peptidoglycan sacculus is designed to serve primarily as a restraining structure rather than as a contractile or expansive element. Key words: cortex, spores, peptidoglycan, resistance.