Endospores: Introduction, Structure, Formation, Functions

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Structure of Endospores

• Exosporium: The exosporium is the outermost layer of the endospore and is composed of a complex network of proteins and polysaccharides. It provides mechanical stability to the endospore and protects it from damage.
• Spore Coat: The spore coat is a barrier that blocks large toxic molecules like lysozyme and can withstand exposure to many harmful substances. It may also contain enzymes that play a role in germination. In the endospores of Bacillus subtilus , the spore coat comprises more than 70 coat proteins organised into inner and outer layers. X-ray diffraction analysis of purified Bacillus subtilus endospores revealed a component with a regular, periodic structure that was initially thought to be formed from a protein similar to keratin. However, further research showed that the structure of the spore coat protein was distinct from keratin. No ortholog of human keratin was found when the B. subtilis genome was sequenced.

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• Spore Cortex: The spore cortex is a layer of peptidoglycan that surrounds the core wall and helps maintain the endospore's shape. The spore cortex also provides additional protection against external stress.
• Core Wall: The core wall is the innermost layer of the endospore, lies beneath the cortex and surrounds the protoplast or core of the endospore. The core contains the chromosomal DNA of the spore, protected by chromatin-like proteins called SASPs (small acid-soluble spore proteins). These proteins protect the DNA from UV radiation and heat. Additionally, the core includes normal cellular structures like ribosomes and enzymes but is not functioning metabolically.

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Formation of Endospores

• Axial filament formation (S-I stage): The genetic material of the bacterial cell is rearranged into the central plane.
• Septa formation (S-II stage): The formation of a forespore septum, created by infolding the plasma membrane into the cell lumen. This causes a segment of DNA to separate from the rest of the genetic material.
• Forespore engulfment (S-III stage): The mother cell membrane completely engulfs the immature spore. This causes the forespore to be surrounded by an intermembrane space and two plasma membranes.
• Cortex formation (S-IV stage): The intermembrane space between the two membranes gives rise to the cortex. At this stage, there is an increase in the accumulation of dipicolinic acid and calcium.
• Protein coat formation (S-V stage): The cortex is covered with a protein coating.
• Spore maturation (S-VI stage): The cell becomes metabolically inactive, and the core becomes increasingly dehydrated.
• Enzymatic destruction (S-VII stage): The enzymes of the spore mother cell are destroyed, resulting in the release of the endospores.

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Functions of Endospores

• Survival: Endospores are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation, allowing them to survive in harsh environments and wait for more favourable conditions to resume growth.
• Dissemination: Endospores can be dispersed through the air, water, or other means, allowing them to spread to new environments.

Ecological Succession

• Persistence: Endospores can remain viable for long periods, allowing bacteria to persist in the environment for extended periods.
• Adaptation: Endospores can adapt to changing environmental conditions, allowing bacteria to survive and grow in new environments.
• Bacterial identification: Endospore formation is a taxonomic characteristic for classifying some bacteria.
• Bioremediation: Endospores are used in bioremediation to break down pollutants in the environment.
• Industrial applications: Endospores are used in various industrial applications, including the production of fermented food and beverages, the production of antibiotics, and the sterilisation of medical equipment.

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Infectious disease caused by Endospores

• Anthrax , caused by Bacillus anthracis , endospores can be inhaled, ingested, or enter wounds where they can germinate, and the vegetative bacteria can then replicate.
• Tetanus , caused by Clostridium tetani , occurs when endospores enter anaerobic wounds where they germinate, and the vegetative bacteria subsequently replicate.
• Botulism , caused by Clostridium botulinum , can occur when endospores enter the anaerobic environment of improperly canned food, where they germinate and then replicate.
• Gas gangrene , caused by Clostridium perfringens , can occur when endospores enter anaerobic wounds where they germinate, and the vegetative bacteria subsequently replicate.
• Pseudomembranous colitis , caused by Clostridium difficile , can occur when antibiotics destroy the normal microbiota in the intestines, allowing the endospores of Clostridium difficile to survive and germinate before the normal microbiota is restored.

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