Endospore-forming Bacteria and their Role in Biodefense EssayBacteria http://cheap-essay-writing-service709.mystrikingly.com that have the ability to produce non-reproductive structures or endospores during unfavorable environmental conditions are termed endospore-forming bacteria. Two genera of bacteria in which sporulation are predominant are Bacillus and Clostridium. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, species of which are either obligate or facultative aerobes. The genera include both free-living and pathogenic species. When conditions become unfavorable, the bacterial populations thrive by producing endospores or cysts which can remain dormant and viable for prolonged periods.The genera include several species such as Bacillus anthracis, B. coagulans, B. megaterium, B. cereus, B. globigii, B. natto, B. infernus, B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, thuringiensis, B. polymyxa and B. sphaericus. Of these, the most pathogenic ones are B. anthracis and B. cereus. B. anthracis causes anthrax. B. cereus causes a foodborne illness. B. subtilis and B. coagulans are microbes that cause food spoilage. B.
