Effect of pH and Sodium Ion on Germination of Alkalophilic Bacillus Species

Abstract

The factors affecting the germination of spores of alkalophilic Bacillus species have been studied. The optimum pH for germination of spores of alkalophilic Bacillus No. 2b-2 was about 10 and NaCl (Na⁺) stimulated germination considerably. The optimum concentration of NaCl for germination was about 0.2M. Other cations such as K⁺, NH₄⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺ and Ca²⁺ did not stimulate germination. Li⁺ showed a weak activity for stimulating germination. Na+ ions stimulated the early step of germination. It was necessary for Na⁺ ions to co-exsist with the germinants in the germination of spores and the effect of Na⁺ was reversible. The same results were obtained for the germination of alkalophilic Bacillus No. 16-2 and No. 20.