Germination of the myxospores of Myxococcus xanthus.

Unlike the case of Chondromyces, where the multicellular sporangiole is the unit of germination, in M. xanthus, the spores are not contained in sporangioles and each individual spore germinates. The mature spores are resistant, metabolically quiescent and optically refractile. Upon germination, the spore darkens, loses its resistance,becomes metabolically active, elongates, acquires the characteristic gliding motility and moves off, leaving the germinated spore coat behind.

For additional information see reference #7 in "references".

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