Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a gram-positive, catalase-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile soil bacterium. It forms a strong endospore when the conditions are not favorable. The spores are dispersed into dust, which then gets into water supplies for plants and animals. The name indicates that this bacillus liquefies starch. The bacterium is also a source of subtilisin, which is a protease; this enzyme is used in laundry detergents and contact lens cleansers. Enhanced SEM. Image width: 21.4 micrometers. Magnification: 4673x if the image is printed 10 cm wide. Bar: 5 micrometers.