Loss of Optical Density in Bacterial Spores Induced by Partial Cell Irradiation

Abstract

Spores of Bacillus megaterium strain 14581 (ATCC) were subjected to partial cell irradiation in an attempt to localize the structure controlling the loss of extinction. The results indicate that damage by ionizing radiation to a barrier about 200 A thick and 450 A from the surface of the spore will induce loss of optical density in spores resuspended in phosphate buffer alone. Irradiation within this structure produces a dose-dependent attenuation in this manifestation of germination which appears to be caused by the release of a turbid product into the medium.