The bacterial spore can undergo a remarkable conversion from a dormant to a fully active cell. Here we study this unique cellular transition in Bacillus subtilis and reveal the identity of the newly synthesized proteins throughout spore revival. Our analysis uncovers a highly ordered developmental program that correlates with the spore morphological changes, and reveals the spatial and temporal molecular events fundamental to reconstruct a functional cell. As opposed to current knowledge, we found that translation takes place during the earliest revival event, termed germination, a process hitherto considered to occur without the need for any macromolecule synthesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that translation is required for execution of germination and relies on the two bona fide translational factors RpmE and Tig. Our study sheds new light on the spore revival process and on the vital building blocks underlying cellular awakening, thereby paving the way for designing new antimicrobial agents to eradicate spore forming pathogens.
