Highlights of the Genetics and Importance of Bacillus subtilis Spore Formation

Bacillus species are important producers of essential biomolecules such as antibiotics, insecticides and enzymes. However, the immense potential for commercial scale production of these biomolecules still remain largely unexplored. Optimization of the exploitation of these species has, therefore, become the major preoccupation of many laboratories worldwide. Success in this regard depends on a thorough understanding of the species gene regulatory mechanisms, metabolism and secretary pathways. Bacillus subtilis by virtue of its relatively simple cellular organization, experimental tractability and excellent genetics has become the principal paradigm for the study of the cellular processes of the Bacillus genus. The bacteria survive adverse environmental conditions by undergoing a complex process of spore formation termed sporulation. The process of spore formation involves cellular differentiation of an asymmetrically dividing mother cell, with each compartment undergoing distinct cell-specific gene expression. These processes eventually culminate in the formation of resistant spores. The molecular genetics, importance and industrial applications of these species as well as the historical perspective of Bacillus research have been reviewed. Furthermore, scientific advancements in the study of the spore formation process in B. subtilis have been presented with emphasis on the basic genetic regulatory mechanisms.