Final answer:
Endospores are dormant forms of bacteria that are formed in response to adverse conditions. They protect the DNA of the cell and allow bacteria to survive in unfavorable environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endospores are dormant forms of living bacteria that are formed in response to adverse environmental conditions. They preserve the DNA of the cell in a dormant state until conditions become favorable again. Endospores allow bacteria to survive long periods without food or water, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation.