endospore

[akimhaneul]

There is a dat destroyer question that says the statement "endospores prevent bacterial proliferation" is false.

I don't understand why this is false. When in endospore state, aren't bacteria pretty much dormant and not growing?


Also, is forming endospore only for gram positive bacteria?

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[DAT Destroyer]

There is a dat destroyer question that says the statement "endospores prevent bacterial proliferation" is false.

I don't understand why this is false. When in endospore state, aren't bacteria pretty much dormant and not growing?


Also, is forming endospore only for gram positive bacteria?

Endospore formation usually seen in gram positive bacteria, however there are few exceptions concerning gram negative.

Formation of endospores occurs due to the lack of nutrients. This is where the bacterium goes into the dormant state. However, it is not the cause of non-proliferation. Non-proliferation is a behavior achieved during that state. There are many causes of non-proliferation, such as lack of nutrients, changes in the bacterial genome, or changes in cell signaling.

Hope this helps.

 

[akimhaneul]

Endospore formation usually seen in gram positive bacteria, however there are few exceptions concerning gram negative.

Formation of endospores occurs due to the lack of nutrients. This is where the bacterium goes into the dormant state. However, it is not the cause of non-proliferation. Non-proliferation is a behavior achieved during that state. There are many causes of non-proliferation, such as lack of nutrients, changes in the bacterial genome, or changes in cell signaling.

Hope this helps.

Thank you! Is this because later on endospores can go back to normal growth when conditions are good?

I think I'm still having trouble getting this. Anyone want to help?

 

[WaveRace]

Thank you! Is this because later on endospores can go back to normal growth when conditions are good?

I think I'm still having trouble getting this. Anyone want to help?

You have the general concept correct, @akimhaneul. You're getting hung up on how the question is worded.

The way the question is worded is, in a more basic form, is saying "do endospores help bacteria live or die". Stated this way, obviously, endospores help bacteria to live (and thus proliferate) when the conditions are okay for bacterial growth.

The function of endospores, as Nancy/Dr. Romano said, is to allow bacteria to live through a period where proliferation wouldn't be possible. The goal is to allow the bacteria to continue growing when possible. Thus endospores don't prevent bacterial proliferation, their function is to allow it (just not immediately).