[Campbell Biology P.624] Endospores are extremely resistant structures formed by certain bac... | Practice Question

Endospores are extremely resistant structures formed by certain bacteria. According to the text, what specific conditions are required to effectively kill most endospores, rather than just keeping them dormant?

  • A: Exposure to sunlight and removal of all water.
  • B: Boiling water for an extended period.
  • C: Heating lab equipment to 121°C under high pressure.
  • D: Lysing the original cell to release the endospore into the environment.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'killing them requires heating lab equipment to 121°C under high pressure.' This highlights the extreme conditions necessary to overcome the endospore's durability, which allows them to survive even boiling water.