Protein synthesis during outgrowth ofBacillus subtilisspores. A two-dimensional gel electrophoresis study

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to study protein synthesis during various stages of outgrowth of Bacillus subtilis spores. Protein synthesis throughout outgrowth is a highly ordered process. Different classes of proteins were distinguished by the time of onset and duration of their synthesis. During all stages of outgrowth a great number of vegetative proteins is synthesized. A second group of vegetative proteins is detected which are not produced during early outgrowth but during middle and later stages only. A third group of proteins is synthesized during early outgrowth but not in vegetative cells. Mechanisms for the regulation of expression of vegetative genes during outgrowth are discussed.