Mariano, Karlo Roberto M.

Group 1

2NUR7 MicroPara LEC

Summary:
The remarkable spore formation of Bacilus subtilis (gen. of asymmetry, determination of cell fate,
intercellular signaling, temporal and spatial control of gene expression, and programmed cell death) has
been the main issue of this journal. The sporulation process of B. subtilis initiated during starvation,
which usually happens by symmetrical division, divided asymmetrically into one small prespore cell and
one mature mother cell (two-cell system). The prespore is phagocytized by the mother cell, dehydrated,
mineralized, and coated it with protective layers. The mother is programmed to undergo apoptosis to
release the mature spore. This species of bacteria is observed for its early morphological event in
sporulation which is switching from medial to polar division. Mutants that showcased the different
nature of sporulation : spo0A - behaved as if they were not starving, divide at mid cell to produce equal
daughter cells, Spo0A – P - diverts the division apparatus from median to the cell poles., sp0II – prevent
second ‘symmetry restoring’ division, abortively disporic. The activity of both the mother and the
prespore are mediated by formerly inactive σF and σE transcription factors. My summary will be focused
on the probability of developing cell division inhibitors. Regulation of the key decision to initiate
sporulation is sensitive to cell cycle progression. There is a sensitive period in which sporulation can be
initiated in the cell cycle. Working knowledge on the sporulation cycle of B. subtilis paved the idea of
developing an assay to detect inhibitors of target functions. In their study, they have realized that the
activation of σF is dependent on the formation of asymmetrical division septum and that division of of
vegetative B. subtilis share the same machinery with most other bacteria, they may be able to use cells
bearing a σF dependent reporter gene to screen the cell for inhibitors of cell division. Inhibition of
sporulation will serve as an essential cornerstone in antibody formation. This is true regarding the
principle of most antibiotics developed throughout the years.

Reaction:
I believe that this is an earth shaking breakthrough in the field of microbiology provided that it had been
the first research conducted to clearly illustrate the sporulation cycle of B. subtilis. Not only had it gives
me an in-depth approach in the causative factors and the different events that occur prior to the spore
formation cycle, it also gave me a hint on how antibiotics are generated. Now I know that antibiotics are
like power switches that can render a target function on the cell useless, most of the time it is the ability
of the cell to continue cell division which is inhibited. With high hopes, I pray that these people would be
successful in developing antibiotics that can be destructive for microorganisms which shares the same
affinity with B. subtilis i.e Bacilus microbes like anthrax. Microbiologists cannot deny the benefit that B.
subtilis proves to mankind especially on agricultural industry (from being used as commercial fungicide
and insecticide) and for being sold as commercially produced industrial enzymes. It is also great to know
that these species of Bacili are non-pathogenic and can rarely cause food poisoning once it gets in touch
with our water system. B. subtilis is truly a wonderful model system for studying the fundamental
aspects of the life of cell. This just goes to show that not all microorganisms serve as nuisance and cause
harmful effects on our society. Some just prove that they are of high importance once human beings tap
their innate functions in the field of pure and applied sciences. God ran through His creations before
handing them over in our stewardship. That is why we should value each one of them important and a
part of Mother Nature’s harmonious composition, in this case our little fellow with a special ability of
dividing himself into two asymmetrical progeny, Bacilus subtilis.