What is the function of endospores in soil?

An endospore is a dormant, tough, non-reproductive structure produced by a small number of bacteria from the Firmicute family. The primary function of most endospores is to ensure the survival of a bacterium through periods of environmental stress.

Does soil contain endospores?

Endospores are commonly found in soil and water, where they may survive for long periods of time. A variety of different microorganisms form “spores” or “cysts”, but the endospores of low G+C gram-positive bacteria are by far the most resistant to harsh conditions.

Why are endospore forming bacteria found in soil?

These are (1) their ubiquitous presence in soil, (2) their resistance to heat in common industrial processes such as pasteurization, (3) the adhesive characters of particular spores that facilitate their attachment to processing equipment, and (4) their ability to germinate and grow in favorable conditions [1].

What are Bacillus endospores?

Abstract. Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis involves an asymmetric cell division followed by differentiation into two cell types, the endospore and the mother cell. The endospore coat is a multilayered shell that protects the bacterial genome during stress conditions and is composed of dozens of proteins.

What types of bacteria produce endospores?

Endospores are dormant alternate life forms produced by the genus Bacillus , the genus Clostridium , and a number other genera of bacteria, including Desulfotomaculum, Sporosarcina, Sporolactobacillus, Oscillospira, and Thermoactinomyces.

Why do certain bacteria become endospores?

Endospores are structures made by bacteria for survival purposes. Bacteria turn to endosporea when they undergo stress, such as an increase in heat or lack of nutrients.

Why are bacterial spores are referred as endospores?

Bacterial spores are referred to as endospores because they actually form within the bacterial cell . An endospore bacterium can survive a number of harsh conditions such as heat, drying, radiation, and chemicals. Other organisms form spores, but the bacterial spore is generally more heat resistant and difficult to denature.

How does endospore help bacteria survive?

Endospores help the organism survive in inhospitable environments. It helps protect the organism from dessication, from chemical damage, UV radiation, etc. Endospores also protect bacteria from the usual forms of disinfection; in other words, it may take longer for disinfectants to be effective against endospore forming bacteria.