Inhibition of Bacterial Sporulation by Various Agents: An Ultrastructural Analysis

Abstract

<p>An electron microscopic analysis of Bacillus subtilis cells revealed that relatively that relatively high concentrations of rapidly metabolizable carbon sources blocked sporulation at stage O. Acridine orange blocked sporulation only after stage IV whereas nalidixic acid and novobiocin blocked sporulation at stage O. Mutants that are able to sporulate in the presence of these agents showed the characteristic morphological changes observed in uninhibited cultures. These results are discussed in terms of the different modes of action exerted by these agents in repressing sporulation.</p>