Open AccessWater content and size of spore components determined by laser diffractometry
Author(s) -
Ulanowski Z.,
Ludlow I.K.,
Waites W.M.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1987.tb02030.x
Subject(s) - spore , protoplast , aqueous solution , water content , botany , chemistry , biology , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Abstract For the first time laser diffractometry was used to obtain the refractive index distribution within individual cells in an aqueous environment, allowing accurate determination of their compartmental water content. For bacterial spores the results demonstrated the existence of a dehydrated protoplast surrounded by a less dehydrated integument, thus accounting for the extreme heat resistance of the spores. In contrast, the presence of a dry wall surrounding a water‐rich protoplast was shown in fungal spores.