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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1967 March; 15(2): 285-291
Copyright © 1967 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Survival of Microorganisms in a Simulated Martian Environment

II. Moisture and Oxygen Requirements for Germination of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis var. niger Spores¹

Life Sciences Division, Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois

ABSTRACT

The effects of moisture and oxygen concentration on germination of Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis var. niger spores were investigated in a simulated Martian environment. Less moisture was required for germination than for vegetative growth of both organisms. A daily freeze-thaw cycle lowered moisture requirements for spore germination and vegetative growth of both organisms, as compared with a constant 35 C environment. Oxygen had a synergistic effect by lowing the moisture requirements for vegetative growth, and possibly germination, of both organisms. Oxygen was not required for spore germination of either organism, but was required for vegetative growth of B. subtilis and for sporulation of both organisms.

¹ Portions of this paper were presented at the 6th International Space Science Symposium, Life Sciences and Space Research, COSPAR, held at Mar del Plata, Argentina, May 1965.