Bacterial Endospore Formation

Why is water removed from cells during cell formation? In many organisms spores are a life stage for both dispersal to environments and for surviving periods in which nutrients are not available. For both of these functions it is necessary that the spore be able to survive for extended periods without access to the chemicals needed for basic biological functions. Cellular functions need to be halted and the cell needs to be in a dormant state. The removal of water allows the cell to achieve dormancy and extends the length of time the spore can survive.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.


1	In spore formation, the stage in which DNA condenses and aligns itself in the center of the cell is called

		A)	exosporangium
		B)	cortex
		C)	forespore
		D)	mother cell
		E)	vegetative cell

2	The spore layer containing peptidoglycan is the

		A)	forespore
		B)	cortex
		C)	dipicolinic acid
		D)	exosporangium
		E)	protein coat

3	As calcium enters the spore

		A)	water follows it into the cell
		B)	glucose is removed from the cell
		C)	water is removed from the cell
		D)	it becomes a part of the cell membrane

4	The protein coat forms outside the exosporangium.

		A)	True
		B)	False

5	Spore formation is initiated when there is a scarcity of nutrients and conditions are adverse.

		A)	True
		B)	False

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