Abstract: 9218 A. Introduction

1. Description

Endospores are dormant, environmentally resistant structures formed by vegetative cells of certain bacterial genera in response to adverse environmental conditions. Most bacteria that form aerobic endospores are harmless, saprophytic organisms found in soil and water. Unlike vegetative cells, endospores resist environmental stresses, such as heat, desiccation, disinfection, and irradiation. Bacteria can persist in the endospore form for an extended period. Under favorable conditions, such as a readily available nutrient supply, endospores revert to vegetative bacterial cells in a process known as germination.