Abstract
Silicon (Si) is considered to be a "quasiessential" element for most living organisms. However, silicate uptake in bacteria and its physiological functions have remained obscure. We observed that Si is deposited in a spore coat layer of nanometer-sized particles in Bacillus cereus and that the Si layer enhances acid resistance. The novel acid resistance of the spore mediated by Si encapsulation was also observed in other Bacillus strains, representing a general adaptation enhancing survival under acidic conditions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acids / pharmacology*
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Bacillus cereus / drug effects*
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Bacillus cereus / genetics
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Bacillus cereus / metabolism*
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Bacillus cereus / radiation effects
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Bacillus cereus / ultrastructure
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Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / radiation effects
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Hydrochloric Acid / pharmacology
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Hydrofluoric Acid / pharmacology
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Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Phylogeny
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RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
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Silicon / metabolism*
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Silicon / physiology*
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Sodium Hydroxide / pharmacology
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Spores, Bacterial / drug effects*
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Spores, Bacterial / genetics
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Spores, Bacterial / metabolism*
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Spores, Bacterial / radiation effects
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Spores, Bacterial / ultrastructure
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Temperature
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Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
Substances
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Acids
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RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
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Sodium Hydroxide
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Hydrochloric Acid
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Hydrofluoric Acid
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Silicon
Associated data
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GENBANK/GQ855295
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GENBANK/GQ855296