B. subtilis Spores

Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), also known as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is a Gram-positive and catalase-positive bacterium found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and humans. As a member of the genus Bacillus, B. subtilis is rod-shaped, and can form a tough and protective endospore, which allows it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions. B. subtilis can divide symmetrically to make two daughter cells (binary fission), or asymmetrically to produce a single endospore that can remain viable for decades and is resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, extreme pH, radiation, and solvents. The endospore is formed at times of nutritional stress, allowing the organism to persist in the environment until conditions become favorable. Prior to the process of sporulation the cells might become motile by producing flagella, take up DNA from the environment, or produce antibiotics. B. subtilis spores can survive the extreme heat during cooking.