EFFECTS OF ALPHA-D-GLUCOSE AND BETA-D-GLUCOSE ON GERMINATION OF SPORES OF BACILLUS-MEGATERIUM-QM-B1551

The effects of D-glucose anomers on the germination of dormant spores of B. megaterium QM B1551 were studied. .alpha.-D-Glucose (1 mM) slightly initiated the germination of the dormant spores during 10 min incubation at 37.degree. C, while about 60% of the dormant spores became germinated with .beta.-D-glucose (1 mM) in the same conditions. From the above observations and the finding that only a trace amount of .alpha.- or .beta.-D-glucose may bind with the dormant spores, it is speculated that the .beta.-D-glucose-stereospecific receptor site for the germination exists on the surface of the dormant spores of the bacillus.