a. What is an endospore? b. Describe its structure and function for a bacterial cell. c. Name at least two infections transmitted to humans by bacterial endospores and the bacteria (genus and species names) that cause them.
a. What is an endospore? b. Describe its structure and function for a bacterial cell. c. Name at least two infections transmitted to humans by bacterial endospores and the bacteria (genus and species names) that cause them.
Answered
a. An endospore is a dormant, highly resistant form of a bacterium that can survive extreme environmental conditions. b. The structure of an endospore includes a tough outer protein coat, a cortex made of peptidoglycan, and a core that contains the bacterium’s DNA, ribosomes, and small molecules. Its function is to protect the bacterium from environmental stresses such as heat, desiccation, and chemicals, allowing the bacterium to survive until more favorable conditions return. c. Two infections transmitted by bacterial endospores are: 1. Tetanus caused by Clostridium tetani. 2. Botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum.
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