The genus Bacillw; has a long history of importance, both from an
economic point of view and as a source of experimental microorganisms.
This volume critically reviews aspects of identification, molecular
biology, and growth that are of impor- tance for the current and
anticipated future exploitation of members of this group. In addition,
the volume includes a chapter on taxonomy, as the importance of good
taxonomy is often not fully appreciated; on sporulation, since so many
important products are produced concomitantly with this process and we
are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which the process is
controlled; and, finally, on the cell envelope, as we are only just
beginning to appreciate the significance of dif- ferences between the
cell walls of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria for productivity
and processing. The commercial importance of Bacillus lies mainly in the
area of enzyme pro- duction for the food, drink, and detergent markets.
Increasingly, however, the ability of Bacillus to secrete proteins,
coupled with its regulatory acceptability, has resulted in strenuous
efforts to develop species of Bacillus as hosts for the produc- tion of
value-added heterologous proteins. Difficulties have often been encoun-
tered, indicating a need to divert more resources to improving our
understanding of the molecular biology of members of this grou p.
Experience with Escherichia coli, a far from ideal organism from a
commercial point of view, suggests that an in- creased investment in
Bacillus is likely ultimately to be productive.
