Question

All are true about bacterial endospores except;

• A. Sporulation in bacteria is a method of reproduction.
• B. The spores of all the medically important bacteria are killed by autoclaving at 121${}^o$C for 15 minutes.
• C. Spores can be stained by modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
• D. Bacterial spores helps them to survive under unfavourable conditions.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Sporulation is a means for protection. The Gram-positive bacteria produce endospores during unfavourable conditions like lack of nutrients, high temperature or other climatic stress. The endospores are tough and resistant structures which remain undamaged during stressful conditions but get killed when autoclaved at 121${}^o$ C for 15 minutes. These are dormant structures which allow the bacteria to stop metabolism and live for longer periods. They germinate when the conditions are favourable to continue growth. They can be stained by Ziehl-Neelsen technique.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.