Endospore

Endospore is a dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structure produced by certain bacteria from the Firmicute phylum. The production of endospores is a survival strategy, adopted in response to harsh environmental conditions. Endospores can survive without nutrients and are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, desiccation, high temperature, extreme freezing, and chemical disinfectants.

Formation

The formation of an endospore is usually triggered by a lack of nutrients, and usually occurs in gram-positive bacteria. In endospore formation, the bacterium divides within its cell wall, and one side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable bacteria to lie dormant for extended periods, even centuries. There are many reports of spores remaining viable over 10,000 years, and revival of spores millions of years old has been claimed.

Structure

Endospores have a central core of cytoplasm containing DNA and ribosomes surrounded by a cortex layer and protected by a multilayer rigid coat composed of peptidoglycan and a variety of proteins.

Resistance

Endospores show remarkable resistance to harmful chemicals and extreme temperatures. They are resistant to most cleaning methods, including boiling and radiation treatment, and can therefore be difficult to eliminate from medical equipment or food.

Germination

Endospore germination, also called spore germination, is the process of transformation from dormant endospore to vegetative bacterium. Germination involves the breaking of dormancy and return of the endospore to vegetative growth. The process is triggered by physical or chemical damages to the coat of the endospore.

Medical Significance

Endospores can be dangerous in a medical context because their resistance to heat and disinfectants allows them to survive sterilization processes. Certain species of bacteria that can form endospores, such as Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium botulinum, and Clostridium perfringens, are potentially pathogenic and can cause serious diseases.

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