FIG 7.

High-resolution AFM images (inverted) of the multilayer structure of the core, cortex, and coat of the spore at ambient temperature in air. (a) Height (rescaled). (b) Peak force. (c) Deformation. (d) Adhesion. The interface between the core and cortex is indicated by line 1. The well-defined boundaries are highlighted by the solid line, while the less well-defined boundaries are highlighted by the dotted lines. The interface between the cortex and coat is indicated by line 2. The boundary between the torn-off coat and air is labeled by line 3. The interface between two cortex layers is suggested by line 4.