Localization of germination-specific spore-lytic enzymes in Clostridium perfringens S40 spores detected by immunoelectron microscopy.

The localization of germination-specific spore-lytic enzymes, an amidase and a muramidase, in Clostridium perfringens S40 spores was examined by immunoelectron microscopy with respective antisera raised against the enzymes and a colloidal gold-immunoglobulin G complex. For both antisera, immunogold particles were visualized on the outside of the cortex of dormant spores, and they were not detected in germinated spores and decoated spores.