GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

5. STRUCTURE OF THE MICROBIAL CELL

5.4. ENDOSPORES AND OTHER RESTING STAGES IN BACTERIA

Only a small group of Bacteria is capable of forming spores. The great significance of spores is related to their thermal stability. While almost all other bacteria, as well as vegetative Cells of spore-forming species, are killed at 80ºC (pasteurization Temperature) within 10 min, heat-resistant spores can withstand boiling for several hours. Labor-intensive and expensive sterilization techniques are specifically designed to destroy spores. On the other hand, the heat resistance of spores provides a unique opportunity for the selective enrichment of spore-forming cultures. Soil or other material (mud, hay, Water) is heated for 10 min at 80ºC. This Procedure destroys vegetative cells, leaving only the heat-resistant spores viable so that they can germinate in a suitable nutrient medium.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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