Sarcosine, a compatible solute that possesses considerable protein-stabilizing properties, did not serve as a stress protectant of B. subtilis against osmotic, heat, and cold stress. Here we have studied the potential of sarcosine and DMG to protect B. Bacillus subtilis does not produce sarcosine or DMG, and it cannot metabolize these compounds. Its synthesis from glycine results in the formation of the intermediates monomethylglycine (sarcosine) and dimethylglycine (DMG), and these compounds are also produced when it is catabolized.
Glycine betaine is a potent osmotic and thermal stress protectant of many microorganisms.
