Identification and characterization of the gerH operon of Bacillus anthracis endospores:: a differential role for purine nucleosides in germination

We identified a tri-cistronic operon, gerH, in Bacillus anthracis that is important for endospore germination triggered by two distinct germination response pathways termed inosine-His and purine-Ala. Together, the two pathways allow. anthracis endospores a broader recognition of purines and amino acids that array be important for host-mediated germination.