N-ACETYLMURAMIC ACID INHIBITS SPORE GERMINATION AND GERMINATION ENZYMES

This report describes the inhibition of spore germination by N‐acetylmuramic acid. At concentrations of 20 mM and higher, the rate of germination of the treated spores was ten‐fold lower than that of the control spores. The inhibitor also depressed the activity of two germination‐related enzymes; a coat‐associated hexosaminidase and a core enzyme. These findings suggests that N‐acetylmuramic acid affects spore germination by inhibition of the corticolytic enzymes. The results are discussed with respect to the possible role of these enzymes in germination. Copyright © 1990 Wiley‐VCH