Molecular genetical and phenotypical analysis of the gerM spore germination gene of Bacillus subtilis 168

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1994 Sep 1;121(3):315-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb07119.x.

Abstract

The gerM gene, encoding a single product of 22.5 kDa, has been identified by subcloning and sequencing of DNA recovered from adjacent to a Tn917 insertion. The gene product has a potential lipoprotein signal sequence, but otherwise has no homology to known sequences. Spores of the gerM mutant were more heat sensitive than wild-type, but their dipicolinic acid content was normal. The level of cortical peptidoglycan in mutant spores is also normal but release at germination of hexosamine-containing fragments, the breakdown products of cortex degradation, is less complete than wild-type. The sporulation, resistance and germination phenotypes of the gerM mutant would be consistent with the gene product having a role, either directly or indirectly, in peptidoglycan synthesis during sporulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics*
  • Bacillus subtilis / physiology
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genes, Bacterial*
  • Hexosamines / metabolism
  • Hot Temperature
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Peptidoglycan / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Spores, Bacterial / genetics
  • Spores, Bacterial / physiology

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • GerM protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • Hexosamines
  • Peptidoglycan

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M65162