endospore Flashcards
what is an endospore
a form of specialized resting cell
where are endospores found (what type of organism)
gram positive bacteria (ie ones in the soil)
T or F: endospores are found in gram negative bacteria only
false; gram positive bacteria only
when does an endospore form
when conditions become unfavourable to the bacteria
T or F: the endospore is a very resistant structure
true
list some conditions that may cause an endospore to form
extreme heat, lack of water, toxic chemicals, radiation
what staining procedure do we do to view an endospore
shaeffer-fulton procedure (ie endospore stain)
what dyes do we use in an endospore stain
malachite green and safranin
what special thing do we need to do during an endospore stain
use steam!
describe the color results of the endospore stain
endospore = green, cytoplasm = red
what would happen if we did simple staining on an endospore
it would be clear and wouldn’t retain the dye
describe the 4 different locations that an endospore can be located within the cell
centrally, subterminally, terminally, or terminally w/ a swollen end
what is the innermost part of the endospore
the core
what does the core of the endospore contain (that aren’t the special elements)
nucleoid, ribosomes, and other essential elements
what two special elements does the core contain
dipicolinic acid complexed with Ca2+, and small acid-soluble proteins (SASPs)
describe the function of dipicolinic acid
binds to water and helps to dehydrate the endospore. It also complexes with DNA and stabilizes it against heat denaturation
describe the function of small acid-soluble proteins (SASPs)
binds DNA and protects against UV radiation, dessication, and dry heat. It also serves as a carbon and energy source during the “outgrowth stage”
what surrounds the core
inner membrane
what surrounds the inner membrane
germ cell wall