Question

Endospores A. are a form of reproduction.B. are a dormant form of a bacterium.C. are formed by members of medically relevant groups of bacteria.D. are involved in anaerobic respiration.E. are a dormant form of a bacterium AND are formed by members of medically relevant groups of bacteria.

Answer 1

Answer:

E. are a dormant form of a bacterium AND are formed by members of medically relevant groups of bacteria.

Explanation:

Endospore is a structure formed by some bacteria when exposed to unfavorable conditions like lack of nutrition. It is a dormant non reproductive structure. When the bacteria is exposed to favorable condition, it regains its natural vegetative state. Endospores contain a large amount of dipicolinic acid which helps in the bacteria's dormancy.

Endospores are medically important because they are resistant to all the methods of destroying bacteria like UV radiation, desiccation, disinfectants and freezing. Two endospore forming genus, Bacillus and Clostridium are reason for many diseases. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax which is very fatal to humans.  Clostridium botulimum causes botulism and Clostridium tetani causes tetanus.