Killing Of Bacteria By Moist Heat

Question 1

Define endospores. What genera’s make them?

Answer 1

Metabolically inert cell that is able to withstand challenges like starvation, desiccation, extreme temperature, extreme pH, and irradiation.
Members of genera: Bacillus and Clostridium.

Question 2

In order to to achieve sterilization withotu the possibility of endospores, what do we do in? In lab and in the kitchen.

Answer 2

In lab: heating under pressure in an autoclave at 121°C.
Kitchen: canned foods must be heated in a pressure cooker to destroy the endospores.

Question 3

Endospores are the causative agent of what?

Answer 3

Botulism
Called clostridium botulism.

Question 4

Define what sporulation is.

Answer 4

The process in which endospores are produced: in response to depletion on nutrients or other adverse conditions.

Question 5

Define germination.

Answer 5

The opposite of sporulation. Occurs in response to favorable conditions for the bacteria.

Question 6

What are medically important spore formers? What do they do?

Answer 6

Clostridium botulinum: botulism (paralysis of muscle)
C. Tetani: tetanus
C. Perfeingens: gas gangrene and food poisoning
Bacillus anthracis: anthrax