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Some physical properties of coat material fromBacillus stearothermophilus spores

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Abstract

Coat material fromBacillus stearothermophilus spores has been examined for the following properties: X-ray diffraction pattern, infrared absorption spectrum, mechanical strength, and melting temperatures of the crystalline regions. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the coat material is different from that of both α-and β-keratin. The high melting temperature of the crystalline material indicates that its bonding is more stable than that of α- or β-keratin. The mechanical strength of the coat material ≃109N/m2 is shown to be high enough to allow the coat to support the internal pressure in bacterial spores. This pressure has been postulated to produce a partial dehydration, which increases the ability of bacterial spores to withstand high temperatures in water.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Food Research, CSIRO, PO Box 52, 2113, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia

    J. E. Algie & J. A. Lindsay

Authors
  1. J. E. Algie
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  2. J. A. Lindsay
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Algie, J.E., Lindsay, J.A. Some physical properties of coat material fromBacillus stearothermophilus spores. Current Microbiology 9, 121–125 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01567283

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