Index >> Bacterial Structure >> Endospores

Endospores - Under conditions of limited supply of C, N or P certain gram positive bacilli, a few sarcinae and actinomycetes produce heat-and chemical-resistant bodies called endospores:-

These bodies are also resistant to drying, freezing and radiation. The two main genera of , endospore forming bacteria are Bacillus and Clostridium. Other spore producing genera include Sporolatobacillus, Sporosarcina and Desulfotomaculum.

The true bacterial endospores are highly resistant to chemical disinfection and to temperatures at which baking and sterilization are carried out.