When does endospore formation commence?
A) when bacterial growth ceases due to limitation of an essential nutrient
B) when the bacterium is undergoing binary fission
C) when bacteria are dividing exponentially
D) following bacterial death

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Endospore formation is a survival mechanism used by certain types of bacteria in response to unfavorable environmental conditions such as a lack of nutrients. Therefore, when bacterial growth ceases due to limitation of an essential nutrient, endospore formation will commence as a means of ensuring the bacterium's survival until better conditions arise. Endospore formation does not occur during binary fission or when bacteria are dividing exponentially, and it certainly does not occur after bacterial death.

When Does Endospore Formation Commence