Final answer:
Bacteria can form a dormant structure called an endospore to survive in adverse conditions. The process is called endosporulation, and it allows bacteria to withstand extreme environments and remain dormant for very long periods, resuming activity when conditions improve.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some bacteria have the remarkable ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions by forming a highly resistant dormant structure known as an endospore. These endospores preserve the DNA of the bacteria in a dormant state, enabling survival through extreme conditions like heat, drought, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Bacillus and Clostridium are common genera of bacteria that can produce endospores.
The process of forming endospores, referred to as endosporulation, involves the replication of the bacterial cell's DNA followed by the development of several protective layers around the genetic material. Once harsh conditions subside, endospores can undergo germination and reactivate to become metabolically active, resuming normal bacterial functions such as growth and cell division. Through this adaptation, bacteria can remain the most abundant form of life in all terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, even in extreme environments where other organisms may not survive.