![]() The first reported observation of bacterial endospores dates back to 1838, when Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg noted refractile bodies inside bacterial cells. A BRIEF HISTORY OF ENDOSPORE FORMATIONĪrguably the most important milestone in endospore research was the actual discovery of endospores. This review aims to discuss some of the key findings that have shaped the sporulation field, through the lens of bacterial genetics. The study of endospore formation, however, is full of fascinating discoveries that, while subtle enough to escape the attention of the mainstream media, have contributed to shape our current perception of bacterial cells. Furthermore, the use of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores in biological warfare and, more recently, in bioterrorist attacks has brought the bacterial spore to the attention of modern society. In fact, it has been claimed that viable endospores were isolated from the gut of extinct bees buried in Dominican amber more than 25 million years ago, evoking the imagery of Jurassic Park. Bacterial endospores are among the most resilient cell-types known, and can survive for very long periods of time without any nutrients. This should not come as a surprise, as some properties of endospores could well be in the headlines of the popular press. spores) have attracted the attention of the scientific community and, at times, even the general public. Genetics, Bacillus subtilis, Gram-positive, spore formation, biological significance.Since their discovery, bacterial endospores (a.k.a. subtilis have been presented with emphasis on the basic genetic regulatory mechanisms. ![]() Furthermore, scientific advancements in the study of the spore formation process in B. The molecular genetics, importance and industrial applications of these species as well as the historical perspective of Bacillus research have been reviewed. These processes eventually culminate in the formation of resistant spores. The process of spore formation involves cellular differentiation of an asymmetrically dividing mother cell, with each compartment undergoing distinct cell-specific gene expression. ![]() The bacteria survive adverse environmental conditions by undergoing a complex process of spore formation termed sporulation. Bacillus subtilis by virtue of its relatively simple cellular organization, experimental tractability and excellent genetics has become the principal paradigm for the study of the cellular processes of the Bacillus genus. Success in this regard depends on a thorough understanding of the species gene regulatory mechanisms, metabolism and secretary pathways. Optimization of the exploitation of these species has, therefore, become the major preoccupation of many laboratories worldwide. However, the immense potential for commercial scale production of these biomolecules still remain largely unexplored. *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.īacillus species are important producers of essential biomolecules such as antibiotics, insecticides and enzymes. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana and Department of Nuclear Agriculture and Radiation Processing, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Biotechnology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O.
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