Molecular tiling on the surface of a bacterial spore - the exosporium of the Bacillus anthracis/cereus/thuringiensis group

What is it about?

Bacterial spores include widespread infectious agents for anthrax (B. anthracis) and C. difficile associated disease. We have revealed for the first time how the surface of a spore is built up using protein 'tiles' which assemble by themselves into a highly robust 'armour'. The underlying tiling principles may apply in assembly of various other protective structures in spores.

Featured Image