Which component provides the most significant resistance to harsh environmental conditions in endospores?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about which component of endospores contributes the most to their resistance against harsh environmental conditions.
Answer
Dipicolinic acid-calcium complex in the core.
The component providing the most significant resistance is the presence of dipicolinic acid and the calcium dipicolinate complex in the core of the endospore.
Answer for screen readers
The component providing the most significant resistance is the presence of dipicolinic acid and the calcium dipicolinate complex in the core of the endospore.
More Information
Dipicolinic acid, found in the core of endospores in complex with calcium, plays a critical role in the extreme resistance of endospores to heat and desiccation. This complex stabilizes proteins and DNA, preventing damage during adverse conditions.
Tips
A common mistake is to attribute resistance solely to the spore coat or outer layers, while the dipicolinic acid inside the core is crucial.
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