NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Q. Assertion: Bacteria form endospores during their reproductive phase. Reason: Endospores are extremely resistant dormant cell structure produced by bacteria, fungi and viruses when the external environment is not favourable for survival.

Detailed explanation-2: -Endospores are formed in response to unfavorable growth conditions in the bacterial environment, most commonly induced by the limitation of nutrients. Sporulation, however, is not the first response of the bacterial cell to nutrient depletion.

Detailed explanation-3: -Spores are produced by bacteria and plants. They are produced for their survival during unfavourable conditions.

Detailed explanation-4: -Endospore formation is usually triggered by a lack of nutrients, and usually occurs in gram-positive bacteria. In endospore formation, the bacterium divides within its cell wall, and one side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable bacteria to lie dormant for extended periods, even centuries.