Endospores

Definition

Endospores are highly resistant, dormant structures formed by certain bacteria to survive extreme conditions. They can withstand heat, radiation, desiccation, and chemical damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Endospores are primarily produced by Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium species.
2. The formation of endospores involves a complex process called sporulation which occurs when environmental conditions become unfavorable.
3. Endospores can remain viable for long periods, even thousands of years, in a state of dormancy.
4. Staining techniques like the Schaeffer-Fulton method are used to visualize endospores under a microscope.
5. Endospore-forming bacteria can cause serious diseases such as tetanus, botulism, and anthrax.

Review Questions

• What triggers the formation of endospores in bacteria?
• Which staining technique is commonly used to identify endospores microscopically?
• Name two diseases caused by endospore-forming bacteria.

Related terms

Sporulation: The process by which a bacterial cell produces an endospore.

Germination: The process through which an endospore returns to its vegetative state.

Bacillus: A genus of Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known for producing endospores.