Question

Is it possible for other bacteria outside of the Firmicutes to acquire the ability to form endospores? How likely do you think it is, and why?

Answer 1

Endospore is a dormant, non-reproducing, tough structure produced by the bacteria that belong to the phylum, Firmicutes. The term 'endospore refers to the seed or spore like form but not the true spore or seed. It is the structure present within the bacterium. Endospore formation usually is triggered by extreme conditions, such as lack of nutrients. It is usually produced by Gram positive bacteria.

'Firmis' word refers to the strong and 'cutis' word refers to the skin or cell wall. Thus, all those bacteria that have strong cell wall which can be considered as endospore are considered as Firmicutes.

Generally lipopolysaccharide made strong outer cell wall is considered as endospore. Most of the gram-positive bacteria form this lipopolysaccharide made outer cell wall.

All such cell wall containing bacteria are considered are called Firmicutes.

So, there is no possibility to other bacteria to acquire the ability to form endospores, unless they belong to gram positive category.