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What nutrients are necessary for Bacillus subtilis germination?

User Chris Down
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Final answer:

Bacillus subtilis requires macronutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen from protein extracts, and carbohydrates like glucose, alongside inorganic salts for essential ions. Micronutrients like iron, boron, chromium, and manganese are crucial for various cellular functions, including enzyme cofactors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The necessary nutrients for Bacillus subtilis germination include a range of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients such as carbon and nitrogen are critical and are often supplied by protein extracts in specialized microbiological media. Carbohydrates like glucose may also be added for energy sources. Inorganic salts such as potassium phosphate or sodium sulfate provide essential ions.

For Bacillus subtilis and other prokaryotes to properly function, micronutrients or trace elements are needed in smaller quantities. Important micronutrients include elements like iron, which is essential for cytochromes involved in electron transport, and other elements such as boron (B), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn), which are primarily involved as enzyme cofactors.

User Jason Haslam
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