Endospores are resistant to the chemical agents, e.g., triphenylmethane dyes, and can even protect the bacterial cells against ultraviolet radiation, extreme pH gradients, drought, and nutrition depletion.Įndospores germinate back into vegetative cells (an active bacterial cell that undergoes metabolism) when surrounding environmental conditions favor bacterial growth and reproduction. They also can survive high temperatures for up to 150☌, making specific Gram-positive species heat resistant. Further, bacterial spores can show typical viability signs at temperatures near the absolute zero. Įndospores can resist inactivation from ethanol treatment. perfringens spores are acid-soluble proteins that show high resistance to chemicals and heat. cereus is a member of the Bacillus species and is well-known for its ability to cause foodborne illness as a result of its spores surviving various temperatures. It is most common for Bacillus species as well as Clostridium species to create endospores. Endospores are highly retractile and thick-walled structures formed inside the bacterial cells.

Typically, Gram-positive bacteria are best known for producing intracellular spores called endospores as a survival mechanism. Bacterial spores are the most dormant form of bacteria since they exhibit minimal metabolism and respiration, as well as reduced enzyme production. One of the most common coping mechanisms for bacteria is forming spores to protect themselves against ecological degrading agents. Bacterial species have different coping mechanisms with selective harsh environmental conditions.

Bacillus subtilis endospore stain