Question

Describe a feature of endospores that make them resistant to microbial control. Name a sterilizing technique that could kill them.

Answer 1

Endospores are formed only by certain group of bacterium. They are formed by asymmetric division of the cell within the membrane and engulfing the genetic material. Further dehydration and coating forms a typical endospore.

The main feature that contributes to the tough nature of the endospore is the endospore coat and the cortex. The coat is an outermost proteinaceous covering within which lies the cortex. The cortex is composed of entwined thick layers of peptidoglycan that protects the inner core from external antimicrobial agents.

Another important factor is the abundance of dipicolinc acid within the cortex. They combine with calcium ions and fill up the interstitial spaces in the genome, thus preventing it from microbial control agents.

Autoclaving is one effective measure to eliminate endospores. It is also a commonly practiced method for sterilizing in laboratories. Autoclaving the sample at 121°C at 15psi and holding the same for about 15 minutes kills all bacteria and endospores.

Another efficient method would be incinerating the contaminated sample, although incineration cannot be used to sterilize laboratory materials, it can be used as a way to dispose the contaminated samples.