PNNL

Abstract

This paper highlights the distinctions between the IR absorption spectra of vegetative versus sporulated Bacillus bacteria. It is observed that there are signatures clearly associated with either the sporulated or the vegetative state, and that vegetative cell (debris) can contribute to the spore spectra. A distinct feature at ~1739 cm-1 appears to be unique to vegetative cell spectra, and can also be used as an indicator of vegetative cells or cell debris in the spore spectra. The data indicate the band is caused by a phospholipid carbonyl bond and are consistent with, but do not prove, it to be either phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) or phosphatidyl glycerol (PG), the two major classes of phospholipids found in vegetative cells of Bacillus species. A companion paper discusses features associated with the sporulated state.