KINETICS OF SPORE GERMINATION.

McCormick, Neil G. (University of Virginia, Charlottesville). Kinetics of spore germination. J. Bacteriol. 89:1180-1185. 1965.-An empirically derived equation was developed which accurately describes the time-course of the decrease in optical density during spore germination. A method is described for calculating the final value, the inflection point, and the maximal velocity from knowledge of three experimental values and the initial value at time-zero. A number of germination curves were analyzed by application of the equation, and the effects of various environmental conditions on the parameters of the equation (k, c, and alpha) are noted. The constant c was found to be dependent upon the temperature and perhaps upon the degree of heat activation and the l-alanine concentration. The constants k and alpha appear to be more basic functions of the initial state of the spore suspension. Variation of the concentration of spores changes only the initial optical density, but does not change any of the three constants.