Stimulation of germination and respiration of the spores of Bacillus megatherium by manganese and monovalent anions.

1. The addition of manganese in a concentration as low as 1.8 x 10(-5)M stimulates both respiration and germination markedly and eliminates the need for heat activation of spores respiring in inorganic salts-glucose. 2. Rapid germination and respiration of B. megatherium spores require a proper balance of ions in the nutrient medium. The repressive effect of a high phosphate concentration can be eliminated or balanced by chloride, or by other monovalent anions. Adenosine can relieve the necessity for chloride in such a system.