Student Work

Imaging L-Alanine and Inosine Induced Germination of Bacillus anthracis Using Atomic Force Microscopy

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The goal of this project was to study the effects of germinants L-alanine and inosine on the morphology of Bacillus anthracis spores in vitro using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and phase contrast microscopy. Spores were incubated for four hours with germinants, deposited on mica, dried, and imaged in air. Spores exposed to inosine, L-alanine, and a combination of both germinants swelled to 2.0, 6.0, and 2.5 times the size (area) of the control spores respectively. However, only the sample that was exposed to both germinants entered phase-1 germination, turning phase-dark as studied by phase contrast microscopy. Bumps and ridges on the spore surfaces became far less prevalent and prominent in samples exposed to germinants.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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Identifier
  • E-project-042809-232346
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Year
  • 2009
Date created
  • 2009-04-28
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Last modified
  • 2023-01-20

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