Microbiologyprocedure.com Community Toolbar Download ImageSubmit Your College, Institute, Company, Products for FREE
  Home  Link to us  DirectoryNEW  Site map  Search  Language

Index >> Microorganisms Differentiation >> Spore Structure and Chemistry

Spore Structure and Chemistry

Spore Structure and Chemistry

The generalised structure of the Bacillus spore is it consists of components not found in the vegetative cells. The chemical composition of the spore and the vegetative cells also differs For example, the spore wall composition is different from that of the vegetative cell wall and the spore contains a peptidoglycan which is less cross linked than in the vegetative cell

The spores also contain dipicolinic acid in which is not found in the vegetative cells. This compound in some cases represents about 10-15 percent of the total spore dry weight and is located within the spore protoplast.
Earlier it was believed that heat resistance of spores was associated with the presence of this chemical but the discovery  mutants lacking this but still resistant to heat has raised doubts about its role, during sporulation the synthesis of this chemical occurs before attainment of heat resistance

The spores of bacilli and clostridia contain DNA which is similar in chemical Composition to the vegetative DNA. In some instances the spores have been found  to contain a higher amount of DNA, reasons for which are not known. The spres contain a protein synthesising machinery which is partially inert, but contains most of the components found in the vegetative cells

A large number of spore enzymes have been examined for their properties to see if they are different from those present in the vegetative cells. Most of these appear to be same as those found in higher amounts and some are structurally altered.

Home | Site map | Submit Article | Directory | Search