SPORES and Spore Stain

Spores are dormant forms of a vegetative bacterium that allows it to survive harsh environmental conditions due to resistance to chemicals and heat.

·        Sporogenesis creates a tough outer keratin (protein) coated structure that contains minimum genetic material and other cytplasmic substances to allow for germination.

          ~ only G (+) cells form spores 

                   Bacillus sp.

                   Clostridium sp.

·        Spore names:

          Inside bacterium while forming = Endospore

                   Locations: Central, Polar, Midcentral

          In environment = Free Spore

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Spore Stain:

        Heat Fixed smear, Blotting Paper, Steam

          Malachite Green; H20 rinse/decolorize; Safranin

Spores = Green             Vegetative Cells = Red