Vegetative cells

Definition

Vegetative cells are the metabolically active and growing phase of bacteria, as opposed to their dormant forms like spores. They perform essential functions such as nutrient uptake, metabolism, and cell division.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vegetative cells can transform into endospores under unfavorable conditions to survive extreme environments.
2. They are responsible for the active growth and reproduction in bacterial life cycles.
3. Vegetative cells have a higher metabolic rate compared to their dormant forms.
4. During favorable conditions, endospores germinate back into vegetative cells for growth and reproduction.
5. Antibiotics typically target vegetative cells due to their active metabolic processes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Endospore:

A dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structure produced by some bacteria.

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

Metabolism:

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.