Why are spores important to the survival of bacteria?

Question

Oh thanks! Nice, I get it now! :) Many thanks!

Answer 1

Certain genera of bacteria, such as Bacillus, Clostridium, Sporohalobacter, Anaerobacter and Heliobacterium, can form highly resistant, dormant structures called endosporesOR simply spores.

In almost all cases, one endospore is formed and this is not a reproductive process, although Anaerobacter can make up to seven endospores in a single cell.

Endospores have a central core of cytoplasm containing DNA and ribosomes surrounded by a cortex layer and protected by an impermeable and rigid coat.

Endospores show no detectable metabolism and can survive extreme physical and chemical stresses, such as high levels of UV light, gamma radiation, detergents, disinfectants, heat, pressure and desiccation.

In this dormant state, these bacteria may remain viable for millions of years, and endospores even allow bacteria to survive exposure to the vacuum and radiation in space.

Endospore-forming bacteria can also cause disease: for example, anthrax can be contracted by the inhalation of Bacillus anthracis endospores, and contamination of deep puncture wounds with Clostridium tetani endospores causes tetanus.

The above para from wikipedia answers your question.

From = Botanist