Difference Between Endospore and Exospore

Difference Between Endospore and Exospore: Endospores and Exospores both are reproductive and unicellular structures. These structures are formed by bacteria, fungi, and algae. The major difference is endospores are formed inside the mother cell whereas exospores are formed at the end of the mother cell. They differ from each other in regards to parameters such as the way they are produced, released, use of cell division, formation with mother cell, and other affecting environmental factors. Spores are the reproductive and unicellular structures. The main difference between endospores and exospores is based on the position of the spore.

Difference Between Endospore and Exospore

Below is the detailed difference between Endospore and Exospore:

Characteristics	Endospore	Exospore
Definition	Endospore is defined as a structure formed by bacteria and it consists of DNA and cytoplasm.	Exospore is defined as an asexual spore that is formed by fungus or algae.
Examples	Endospores are formed by Bacterial Generia, Bacillus, Clostridium, etc.	Exospores are formed by Actinomyces, Streptomyces, Actinobacteria etc.
Produced by	Endospores are produced by Bacteria.	Exospores are produced by fungi and algae.
Released by	Endospores are released by rupturing the mother cell.	Exospores are released by the process of budding.
Formation with the mother cell	Endospores are produced inside the mother cell.	Exospores are produced at the end of the mother cell.
Cell Division	During the formation of the endospore, the process of cell division is not involved.	Exospores are formed by the process of cell division
Formation by an organism	Only one endospore can be produced by one organism.	Multiple exospores can be produced by one organism.
Desiccation at 0% humidity	Endospores have no effect on viability.	Exospores have 23% of survival after 28 days at 25°C.

Endospore

Endospores are defined as a resistant structure that is formed by bacteria. Endospores are formed inside the mother cell. This resistance created by bacteria helps them to survive during unfavorable environmental conditions. When environmental conditions are favorable the Endospores germinate in order to produce a new organism. Endospores consist of cytoplasm and DNA. The cell wall of the endospore is made of dipicolinic acid. This acid provides heat resistance to the endospores.

Exospore

Exospore is a different type of resistant bacteria that are formed by fungus and algae. This resistant structure reproduces under unfavorable environmental conditions. Exospores are formed outside the mother cell. These exospores come out as a bud at the end of the mother cell. This bud is then released from the mother cell for the germination process under favorable environmental conditions.

Similarities Between Endospores and Exospores

1. Endospore and Exospore both spores are produced under unfavorable environmental conditions.
2. Endospore and Exospore both are unicellular and have a resistant structure.
3. The process of making spores in both types of known as sporulation.
4. Endospores and Exospores both are reproductive cells.

FAQs on Difference Between Endospore and Exospore

Q: What are the Different Types of Endospores?

Answer:

There are three different types of endospores such as terminal, subterminal, and centrally placed endospores.

Q: Are Endospores and Exospores considered Germ Cells?

Answer:

Endospore and Exospore both are considered germ cells as both grow in order to develop a new organism.

Q: What is the Spore Mother Cell called?

Answer:

The spore mother cell is known as a sporocyte.

Q: Are Endospore living or Non-Living?

Answer:

Endospores are living organisms. They become active once again when the conditions become favorable.

Q: How spores can be killed?

Answer:

Spores can be killed by the process known as sterilization. This process works under high temperatures and high-pressure levels.