The Use of Density Gradient Centrifugation for the Separation of Germinated from Nongerminated Spores

S ummary : The density gradient centrifugation of a suspension of spores of B. subtilis 8057 on both sucrose and renografin gradients gave 2 distinct fractions. Germination evidence suggested that the heavier fraction consisted of dormant spores and the less dense fraction, germinated spores. It is concluded that density gradient centrifugation may provide a useful technique for the separation of germinated from nongerminated spores.