Cortex synthesis during Bacillus subtilis sporulation depends on the transpeptidase activity of SpoVD.
The nonessential process of peptidoglycan synthesis during Bacillus subtilis sporulation is one model to study bacterial cell wall biogenesis. SpoVD is a class B high-molecular weight penicillin-binding protein that is specific for sporulation. Strains lacking this protein produce spores without the peptidoglycan cortex layer and are heat-sensitive. The detailed functions of the four different pro