Maintenance of the Bacillus Genetic Stock Center

芽孢杆菌属的细菌在基础和应用研究方面都得到了深入的研究。这些生物可利用的一系列强大的遗传技术，使从事基础研究的科学家能够探索细胞遗传机制的内部工作原理。它们形成特化细胞（孢子）的能力——类似于高等生物中特化组织和器官的形成——使我们能够深入了解细胞分化和发育的奥秘。应用研究人员专注于杆菌合成各种产品的能力：医学上有用的抗生素；降解蛋白质（例如洗衣液和隐形眼镜清洁剂中的蛋白质）或将淀粉转化为糖的酶；天然杀虫剂是一种对环境负责的化学品替代品。芽孢杆菌遗传储备中心（BGSC）通过维护世界上最大的芽孢杆菌属公共培养库，并在不影响所有科学家要求的情况下分发培养物，极大地协助了这些研究工作。每年大约有1500个菌株分发给世界各地的科学家。BGSC工作人员随时提供专家咨询，并定期准备和分发100页的菌株目录和参考工作。该项目为BGSC未来五年的活动提供部分支持。

Bacteria of the genus Bacillus are intensively studied in both basic and applied research efforts. The powerful array of genetic techniques available for these organisms allows the scientist engaged in basic research to probe the inner workings of the cell's genetic machinery. Their ability to form specialized cells (spores) -- analogous to the formation of specialized tissues and organs in higher organisms -- allows insights into the mysteries of cell differentiation and development. The applied researcher focuses on the ability of the bacilli to synthesize a variety of products: medically useful antibiotics; enzymes which degrade proteins (in laundry detergents and contact-lens cleaners, for example) or turn starch to sugar; and natural pesticides that provide an environmentally responsible alternative to chemicals. The Bacillus Genetic Stock Center (BGSC) greatly assists these research efforts by maintaining the world's largest public culture collection for the genus Bacillus and distributing cultures without prejudice to all scientists who request them. Each year some 1500 strains are distributed to scientists throughout the world. The BGSC staff are available at all times for expert consultation and periodically prepare and distribute a 100-page catalog of strains and reference work. This project provides partial support for the BGSC's activities for the next five years.