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The effect of visible radiations on the germination and outgrowth of Bacillus spores
Author(s) -
Quesnel L. B.,
Spencer Deirdre
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.1985.tb01483.x
Subject(s) - spore , bacillus subtilis , germination , biology , visible spectrum , agar , nutrient agar , microbiology and biotechnology , spore germination , botany , bacteria , optics , genetics , physics
The effect of visible radiations on the germination and outgrowth of spores of Bacillus subtilis MD2 and Bacillus subtilis var. niger was determined by direct observation of populations irradiated on the surface of nutrient agar. Little effect on germination (phase darkening) was found but white light prevented outgrowth of some and retarded it for all spores. Different wavebands in the visible spectrum differed in their effect on outgrowth, the greatest retardation being found for the shorter wavelengths, 410–570 nm. Outgrowth in dark controls was always greater both in number of spores outgrown and rate of outgrowth. The results are consistent with others, suggesting an effect of singlet oxygen generated from endogenous photosensitizers by visible radiation.