Open AccessIdentification and Characterization of the gerH Operon of Bacillus anthracis Endospores: a Differential Role for Purine Nucleosides in Germination
Author(s) -
Matthew Weiner,
Timothy D. Read,
Philip C. Hanna
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.185.4.1462-1464.2003
Subject(s) - bacillus anthracis , biology , endospore , operon , purine , germination , microbiology and biotechnology , purine metabolism , bacillus (shape) , bacteria , biochemistry , spore , genetics , gene , botany , enzyme , escherichia coli
We identified a tri-cistronic operon, gerH, in Bacillus anthracis that is important for endospore germination triggered by two distinct germination response pathways termed inosine-His and purine-Ala. Together, the two pathways allow B. anthracis endospores a broader recognition of purines and amino acids that may be important for host-mediated germination.