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The single sspE genes coding for gamma-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) of three round-spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus aminovorans, Sporosarcina halophila and S. ureae, have been cloned and sequenced. While the deduced amino acid sequences of these three gamma-type SASP show clear homology to those from six Bacillus species that do not form round spores, there are no residues conserved completely among the 9 sequences known. In addition, the 139 residue B. aminovorans protein is 35 residues larger than any other while the 60 residue S. halophila protein is one of the smallest. These data suggest that the sspE genes have been under little selective pressure in recent evolutionary time.