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Spores

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 9/27/2023
Definition

A spore is a reproductive cell produced by certain fungi, plants (moss, ferns), and some bacteria. Often, the spore fully develops after a state of dormancy or hibernation.

Certain bacteria produce spores as a defensive mechanism. Bacterial spores have thick walls and are very resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and other unfavorable conditions. The bacteria Clostridia form spores that cause gas gangrene and antibiotic-associated colitis.

Information

Chemical disinfection kills bacteria, but does not destroy their spores. Sterilization destroys spores as well as bacteria, and requires high temperatures and high pressures. In health-care settings, sterilization is usually accomplished using a device called an autoclave.

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Wiki User

14y ago

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