Proteins and dipicolinic acid released during heat shock activation of Bacillus subtilis spores probed by optical spectroscopy

Abstract

UV fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy from Bacillus subtilis spores detected proteins and dipicolinic acid (DPA) released into the supernatant after heat treatments ranging from 20 degrees to 90 degrees C. The protein and DPA concentration in the supernatant was greater with higher heat treatment temperatures, undergoing a substantial increase for T > or = 60 degrees C, and supporting the theory that spores undergo a phase transition from a glassylike to a rubberylike state at 56 degrees C. Gel electrophoresis detected several small proteins with molecular weights between 6 and 11 kDa. These proteins may be small acid-soluble spore proteins that are present in spores but break down during germination. A 30 kDa protein extracted above 60 degrees C is related to the rubber-glass phase transition.