Sporulation.txt

• Gram positive bact Bacillus are characterized by ability to produce endospores.
• Important bc of their durability and potential pathogenicity.
• Endospores are a defensive strategy against hostile or unfavorable conditions, usually when one or more nutrients are in limited supply

Requires 8-10 hours and goes through seven steps

• 1. DNA is replicated
• 2. DNA aligns along cells long axis
• 3. Cytop mem invaginates to form endospore
• 4. Cytop mem grows and engulfs forespore w/in a 2nd mem. Veg cells DNA disintegrates.
• 5. A cortex is deposited btwn the membranes.
• 6. Spore coat forms around endospore
• 7. Maturation of endospore; completion of spore coat.
• 8. Endospore released from original cell.

The ability to survive harsh conditions.

Food processors, health care prof, and governments b/c they are resistant to treatments that inhibit other microbes and b/c they can produce deadly toxins that cause fatal diseases.

Anthrax, tetanus, gangrene

They are essentially in a state of suspended animation and only come out to germinate when conditions improve.