Textbook Question
Prokaryotic flagella are made of a protein called _________________.
1317
views
Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Microbiology22
- Ch. 2 - Biochemistry Basics19
- Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells17
- Ch. 4 - Introduction to Eukaryotic Cells16
- Ch. 5 - Genetics25
- Ch. 6 - Viruses and Prions12
- Ch. 7 - Fundamentals of Microbial Growth20
- Ch. 8 - Microbial Metabolism16
- Ch. 9 - Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology11
- Ch. 10 - Host Microbe Interactions and Pathogenesis19
- Ch. 11 - Innate Immunity24
- Ch. 12 - Adaptive Immunity22
- Ch. 13 - Immune System Disorders15
- Ch. 14 - Biomedical Applications: Vaccines, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Molecular Method14
- Ch. 15 - Antimicrobial Drugs18
- Ch. 16 - Respiratory System Infections16
- Ch. 17 - Skin and Eye Infections19
- Ch. 18 - Nervous System Infections12
- Ch. 19 - Digestive System Infections20
- Ch. 20 - Urinary and Reproductive System Infections10
- Ch. 21 - Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Infections15
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 12
Certain bacteria can form endospores in order to __________________.
a. Reproduce
b. Survive harsh conditions
c. Cause recurrent infections
d. Adhere to host tissues
e. Avoid the immune system of a host
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what endospores are: Endospores are highly resistant, dormant structures formed by certain bacteria as a survival mechanism.
Recall the primary function of endospore formation: It is not for reproduction, but rather to protect the bacterial genetic material under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Evaluate each option based on the role of endospores:
a. Reproduce - Endospores are not involved in bacterial reproduction; bacteria reproduce by binary fission.
b. Survive harsh conditions - This aligns with the known function of endospores, which help bacteria endure extreme heat, desiccation, chemicals, and radiation.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Endospore Formation
Endospores are highly resistant, dormant structures formed by certain bacteria to survive extreme environmental stresses such as heat, desiccation, and chemicals. This process is not a means of reproduction but a survival strategy to protect the bacterial genome until favorable conditions return.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:35
Endospores
Bacterial Survival Mechanisms
Bacteria employ various strategies to endure unfavorable conditions, including forming endospores, producing biofilms, and entering dormant states. Endospore formation is unique because it allows bacteria to withstand extreme environments that would normally kill vegetative cells.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:18Surviving Inside Phagocytic Cells
Difference Between Reproduction and Survival
Reproduction in bacteria typically occurs through binary fission, producing new cells. Endospore formation, however, is not reproductive; it is a protective response. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why endospores are formed to survive, not to increase bacterial numbers.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:18Surviving Inside Phagocytic Cells
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which of the following characteristics regarding prokaryotic ribosomes supports the endosymbiotic theory?
a. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 80S just like eukaryotic ribosomes.
b. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S just like mitochondrial ribosomes.
c. Prokaryotic ribosomes make proteins in a similar manner to eukaryotic ribosomes.
d. Prokaryotic ribosomes have two subunits like eukaryotic ribosomes.
e. Prokaryotic ribosomes are intracellular structures like eukaryotic ribosomes.
1419
views
Textbook Question
Complete the Venn diagram that compares and contrasts Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
1194
views
Textbook Question
Describe what would occur if a cell with a damaged cell wall was placed in each of the following environments:
- Isotonic environment
- Hypertonic environment
- Hypotonic environment
1213
views
Textbook Question
Complete the table by answering yes or no for each question.
1333
views
Textbook Question
Match the cellular structures to their functions. Many statements will be used more than once; some structures may be matched to more than one functional description.
1024
views