Flashcards on Bacterial Spores

Vocabulary flashcards about bacterial spores and sporulation

Spore (Endospore)

A dormant, non-reproductive structure produced by some bacteria in response to unfavorable environmental conditions.

Sporulation

The process by which certain bacteria form spores in response to unfavorable conditions.

Endospore

A type of cell that is metabolically inactive and highly resistant to environmental stress

Thermoresistance

The ability of a spore to resist high temperatures.

Dipicolinic Acid (DPA)

A chemical that stabilizes DNA and limits thermal damage in spores.

SASP (Small Acid-Soluble Proteins)

Proteins that protect DNA from denaturation in spores.

Germination

The process by which a dormant spore returns to a vegetative state.

Spore Core

The innermost part of the spore, containing cytoplasm, DNA, and DPA.

Spore Cortex

The layer surrounding the inner membrane of a spore, composed of peptidoglycan.

Spore Coat (Tunics)

The outermost layer of the spore, composed of keratin-like proteins.

Exosporium

A lipoprotein membrane containing sugars, involved in spore adhesion.

Stage II of Sporulation

The stage in sporulation where a septum forms, creating a pre-spore and a mother cell.

Stage III of Sporulation

The engulfment of the pre-spore by the mother cell during sporulation.

Stage IV of Sporulation

The formation of the cortex layer between the inner and outer membranes of the pre-spore.

Stage V of Sporulation

Construction of the spore coat on the outer surface of the pre-spore.

Stage VI of Sporulation (Maturation)

The stage where the spore develops resistance, dormancy, and germination properties.

Stage VII of Sporulation

The lysis of the mother cell and release of the mature spore.

Activation (of Spores)

The initial damage to spore coats by biological or non-biological agents, required for germination.

Characteristics of Germination

Loss of resistance properties, release of DPA, and loss of refringence.