L1: Endospores & spontaneity

Question 1

What is Abiogenesis and Biogenesis?

Answer 1

Abiogenesis: Process in which living things arise from non-living things.
Biogenesis: Process in which living things arise from living things of same kind.

Question 2

Why is broth a suitable medium for bacterial growth but not water?

Answer 2

Broth is suitable as it contains nutrients that enable bacterial proliferation whereas water lacks necessary nutrients to sustain bacterial growth for long periods.

Question 3

What is the function of the slime player in prokaryotic cells?

Answer 3

The capsule/slime layers provides protection against enzymes and helps bacteria with adhesion to surfaces or other cells.

Question 4

Why do cells form endospores?

Answer 4

For bacterial survivability, when conditions become harsh and unsuitable, the cell enters a dormant state that is resistant, enabling it to stay alive.

Question 5

Examples of harsh conditions leading to sporulation (formation of endospores).

Answer 5

Lack of nutrients, oxygen, and water.
High temperatures, radiation, chemicals, acidicity or alkalinity.

Question 6

How do endospores protect bacterial DNA from environmental stress?

Answer 6

Endospores deposit calcium dipicolinate, which dehydrates the core, producing special proteins that stabilize DNA, protecting it from high heat, radiation, UV and chemicals.

Question 7

What are the layers of the Endospore?

Answer 7

Core>inner membrane>germ cell wall> cortex>spore layer (inner & outer)>exosporium

Question 8

What are the common bacterial shapes?

Answer 8

Bacillus (rod-like)
Coccus (round-like)
Spirochette
Vibrio

Question 9

Limitations of vegetative cell and endospore

Answer 9

Vegetative cell: Susceptible to attack and enzyme damage.
Endospore: unable to reproduce, multiply, and grow.