Mitchell C, Iyer S, Skomurski J F, Vary J C
Appl Environ Microbiol. 1986 Jul;52(1):64-7. doi: 10.1128/aem.52.1.64-67.1986.
Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spores contained a unique red pigment in their membranes that was not found in other species. This red pigment, presumably a carotenoid, was synthesized about the time of dipicolinic acid synthesis during sporulation and was associated with the forespores. A yellow pigment was synthesized during sporulation in rich medium and was found in the mother cell compartment. Although the yellow pigment was also associated with spores, it could be removed by two different extraction procedures without impairing germination; it was absent when sporulation occurred in a minimal medium. Although the yellow pigment of the mother cell appeared to be dispensable, the red pigment may serve a more critical function, such as membrane stabilization.
巨大芽孢杆菌QM B1551的孢子在其细胞膜中含有一种独特的红色色素，这种色素在其他物种中未被发现。这种红色色素，推测为类胡萝卜素，在芽孢形成过程中大约在吡啶二羧酸合成时合成，并与前芽孢相关。在丰富培养基中芽孢形成过程中会合成一种黄色色素，并且在母细胞区室中被发现。尽管黄色色素也与孢子相关，但可以通过两种不同的提取方法将其去除而不影响萌发；当在基本培养基中发生芽孢形成时则不存在该色素。尽管母细胞的黄色色素似乎是可有可无的，但红色色素可能发挥更关键的功能，如膜稳定作用。
