Final answer:
Endospores allow bacteria to survive extreme conditions by protecting the genetic material in a dormant state, and they can revert back to active cells when conditions improve. The correct answer is A) By protecting the genetic material in a dormant state.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacteria can survive harsh environments by forming endospores, which are structures that protect the genetic material of the bacteria. These dormant states allow the bacteria to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, drought, chemicals, and even radiation.
The process of endosporulation involves replicating the bacterial DNA and surrounding it with protective layers of peptidoglycan and protein. Once conditions become favorable again, the endospores germinate and revert to active, vegetative cells capable of carrying out normal functions including growth and cell division. This adaptation enables bacteria to remain abundant in virtually all ecosystems.
The correct option that describes how these structures allow bacteria to survive such conditions is: A) By protecting the genetic material in a dormant state.