L-Alanine dehydrogenase: a mechanism controlling the specificity of amino acid-induced germination of Bacillus cereus spores.

O'Connor, R. J. (University of Wisconsin, Madison), and Harlyn O. Halvorson. L-Alanine dehydrogenase: A mechanism controlling the specificity of amino acid-induced germination of Bacillus cereus spores. J. Bacteriol. 82:706-713. 1961.-A study has been undertaken of the properties and specificity of germination of spores of Bacillus cereus strain T. In the absence of additional carbon sources, only l-alanine, l-alpha-NH(2)-n-butyric acid, and l-cysteine were effective germinating agents. The physical properties of germination, induced by l-alanine and l-alpha-NH(2)-n-butyric acid following extended heat shock, were in close agreement with those of l-alanine dehydrogenase. The specificity of the germination system, as well as amino acid deamination in vivo, support the view that l-alanine dehydrogenase activity is essential for germination and that the enzyme serves as the initial binding site for l-alanine in heat-shocked spores.