Question

Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes the deadly disease anthrax produces thick endospores.

What is the significant role of spore formation in the reproductive cycle of this bacterium?

Answer 1

When conditions are not well, eg. high/low temperature, bacterium produces endospore to keep itself alive. thick wall of an endospore prevents damage and allows a cell to outlast a rough time. after crisis a bacterium can continue growth and development.

Answer 2

An endospore is a stripped-down, dormant form to which the bacterium can reduce itself. Endospore formation is usually triggered by a lack of nutrients, and usually occurs in gram-positive bacteria. [ [ In endospore formation, the bacterium divides within its cell wall. One side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable bacteria to lay dormant for extended periods, even centuries.