Protein spore surface

B. anthracis and related species.41,44 6 Some of these peaks have been identified (e.g., as small acid soluble spore proteins and cyclic lipopeptides), but others remain uncharacterized. There is no agreement among different laboratories as to which markers are suitable for chemotaxonomic differentiata-tion of species (i.e., are consistently found in one species versus another) or for strain identification (i.e., are reproducibly found in one strain but not another). Further, although it might be anticipated that surface proteins can be preferentially ionized or extracted, the ultra-structural origin of some peptides within the cell is not always clear. 

Ethylene oxide (bp, 10.8°C) is a gaseous alkylating agent. It alkylates proteins and ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acid in micro-organisms. It replaces labile hydrogen with hydroxyethyl groups. Ethylene oxide is utilized as a surface sterilant. Bulk crystalline materials can occlude vegetative bacterial cells or spores with crystals. Consequently, ethylene oxide does not reach them. The final step prior to sterilization is an aseptic recrystallization step. 

Du C, Chan W C, McKeithan T W, et al. (2005). Surface display of recombinant proteins on Bacillus thuringiensis spores. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71 3337-3341. 

Protein sensing involves detection of the protein component of the pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and individnal toxins. It requires minimal sample preparation. Specificity is achieved by using antibodies, receptors, or aptamers raised or selected to specifically bind surface proteins or whole bacteria, bacterial spores, viral particles, or individual toxins. 

The tetrasaccharide found on the surface of anthrax spores. The aldehyde group is used to attach the tetrasaccharide covalently to a carrier protein. 

Fig. 4 shows a section of a spore. The surface layers are believed to be the protein layers of the spore coat. It is not known whether the spores contain Bchl. 

The human cornea is extremely hydrophobic. Our tears treat the surface of the cornea by depositing hydrophilic proteins that stabilize the lachrymal film. Another interesting example is that of mushroom spores that can play havoc in rice plantations. Their destructive effect can be traced to their ability to alter the surface of the rice plant—normally very hydrophobic—by turning it hydrophilic, enabling the spores to readily attach themselves to it. 

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