A unique method for studying the initiation of Bacillus megaterium spore germination.

The sequence of events that characterize initiation of $\text{Bacillus megaterium}$ QM B1551 spore germination can be interrupted by the presence of 1 mM HgCl₂. Whereas these was a complete loss in spore dipicolinic acid, only partial losses in absorbance, refractility, density and resistance to staining occurred. This simple technique allows one to determine the necessity of certain reactions for initiation of germination.