Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that forms resistant endospores. It occurs in soil and in the gastrointestinal tracts of ruminants and humans.

Endospore: A dormant, highly resistant structure formed by some bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions. Bacillus subtilis forms endospores when conditions become unfavorable.
Gram-positive bacteria: Bacteria whose cell envelope has a thick peptidoglycan layer and retains crystal violet in Gram staining. B. subtilis has the thick-walled cell-envelope architecture characteristic of this group.
Model organism: A species studied extensively to reveal biological processes that apply more broadly. B. subtilis is a major model for bacterial development, regulation, and cell biology.
Bacillus cereus: A spore-forming bacterium that includes strains associated with food poisoning and other infections. It is a close relative with a different profile of toxins and human disease.
Bacterial sporulation: The regulated process by which certain bacteria produce dormant, resistant spores. This developmental program turns a B. subtilis cell into a durable endospore.
Peptidoglycan: A mesh-like polymer of sugars and peptides that provides structural support to bacterial cell walls. Its peptidoglycan wall gives B. subtilis its shape and Gram-positive staining behavior.
Bacillus subtilis genetics: The study and experimental manipulation of the genes and genetic systems of B. subtilis. Its naturally competent cells and well-characterized genome support precise genetic experiments.
Bacillus anthracis: The spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax in humans and other animals. Its pathogenic lifestyle contrasts with the usual nonpathogenic role of B. subtilis.
Bacterial competence: A physiological state in which bacteria can take up extracellular DNA. A subpopulation of B. subtilis can become competent and acquire genetic material.
Bacterial chromosome: The principal DNA molecule carrying a bacterium's essential genetic information. The B. subtilis chromosome encodes its cellular functions and developmental programs.

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