Endospores form in some bacteria when essential nutrients scarce.
However, calcium binds to DPA (dipicolinic acid) and this complex binds to free molecules of water, which dehydrates the endospore.
So, can endospores, like those from Bacillus subtilis, form without calcium? Are there alternative ions?
Because the calcium dipicolinate appears to be critical for endospore formation and the calcium chelates are involved in germination of the spores, and calcium is relatively abundant, it seems that it would be critical for sporulation to occur. But, it would be interesting to find out if an alternate ion could be used if the bacteria can be grown in a calcium deficient medium.
No endospores, like those from Bacillus subtilis, need cacium to germinate when they wake up.
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