Role of chromosomal and plasmid-borne receptor homologues in the response of Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spores to germinants.

ABSTRACT: Spores of Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 germinate in response to a number of trigger compounds, including glucose, proline, leucine, and inorganic salts. An approximate 6-kb region of the 165-kb plasmid was found to harbor a tricistronic receptor operon, gerU, and a monocistronic receptor component, gerVB. The gerU operon was observed to complement the germination response in plasmidless strain PV361 to glucose and leucine, with KBr acting as a cogerminant. Proline recognition is conferred by the monocistronic gerVB gene, the presence of which also improves the germination response to other single-trigger compounds. A chimeric receptor, GerU*, demonstrates interchangeability between receptor components and provides evidence that it is the B protein of the receptor that determines germinant

SUBMITTER: Christie G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1913376 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature