Formation of a resting form of Bacillus cereus and Micrococcus luteus

Under certain cultivation conditions, the bacteria Bacillus cereus and Micrococcus luteus form cystlike refractive cells (up to 60% of the total number) that retain viability over a long time, are metabolically inactive and thermotolerant and possess specific ultrastructure. These properties allow them to be attributed to a new type of resting forms of microorganisms.