Germination of spores of Bacillus brevis and inhibition by gramicidin S: a stratagem for survival

Abstract

Germinating spores of Bacillus brevis are sensitive to inhibition by gramicidin S prior to emergence whereas once emergence is underway inhibition is lost and newly emerged vegetative cells are not affected by the antibiotic. Under conditions of overcrowding the concentration of antibiotic released is sufficient to render the germinated spores non-viable although dormant spores still retain their viability. Considering these points and the manner in which spore populations germinate we outline a strategy of germination for survival of Bacillus brevis.