Endospore Formation An endospore is a highly resistant structure formed by certa
ID: 276722 • Letter: E
Question
Endospore Formation An endospore is a highly resistant structure formed by certain genera of bacteria (1) What conditions stimulate endospore formation? (2) What types of assaults are endospores resistant to? (3) The Clostridium are obligate anaerobes that can form endospores and include agents of severe human disease (tetanus, botulism, gas gangrene). Under oxygenated conditions, C. tetani can survive by forming a resistant endospore. What conditions must be met for germination of C. tetani endospores to occur within the human and how does that relate to the most common means of acquisition of virulent C. tetani infections-deep penetrating injury (4) Looking back to the bacterial growth curve, in which phase of growth would you anticipate first observing endospores in a culture of bacteria that can form such structures?Explanation / Answer
1) Endospore formation is stimulated by starvation or when optimum growth conditions are lacking. It helps to provide resistance from unfavourable conditions.
2) Endospores are resistant to heat, harmful chemicals, extremes of temparature, UV radiations etc.
3) C. tetani is a rod shaped bacillus that cannot survive in presence of oxygen. Their spores enter human hosts and in presence of anaerobic conditions, the spores are capable of germination. They produce toxins that affects the hosts body processes. The endospores usually enters through open wounds, lacerations and cause deep penetrating injuries.
4) The first observing endospore are usually found during the lag phase of bacterial growth curve. It is an adaptation period when the bacteria is adjusting to new environment.
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