Effects of mutations on spore germination. Group I mutants, represented by gerAA103 (AA103) and AA110 mutants, showed an approximately wild-type phenotype. Group II mutants, represented by gerAA112 (AA112), AA104, and AA7 mutants, had a partial defect in l-Ala germination. Group III mutants, represented by gerAA109 (AA109), AA108, and AA84 mutants, had extreme defects in l-Ala germination. For each graph, time (in minutes) is shown on the x axis, and the percentage of the initial optical density is shown on the y axis. Symbols: ●, buffer; ○, l-alanine; □, l-alanine plus Glc; ▴, l-alanine plus Fru; ■, l-alanine plus Glc plus Fru; ▾, AGFK.