An
endospore is a
dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structure produced by certain bacteria from the
Firmicute phylum. The name "endospore" is suggestive of a spore or seed-like form (
endo means within), but it is not a true
spore (i.e., not an offspring). It is a stripped-down, dormant form to which the bacterium can reduce itself. 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. One side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable
bacteria to lie dormant for extended periods, even centuries. Revival of spores millions of years old has been claimed. When the
environment becomes more favorable, the endospore can reactivate itself to the vegetative state. Most types of bacteria cannot change to the endospore form. Examples of bacteria that can form endospores include
Bacillus and
Clostridium.