The alanine-stimulated spore germination responses of Bacillus subtili
s 168 have been dissected by combining physiological and genetical app
roaches. From the analyses the authors infer that there are three clas
ses of alanine response. Two of the responses are mediated via the Ger
A proteins, with and without germinal adjuncts, the third is mediated
via the GerB proteins and obligately requires adjuncts.