Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What can inactive bacteria do as a survival mechanism?

1. Die off quickly

2. Form protective spores

3. Divide rapidly

4. Become non-pathogenic

The correct answer is: Form protective spores

Inactive bacteria can form protective spores as a survival mechanism. This process, known as sporulation, allows certain bacteria to enter a dormant state when faced with unfavorable environmental conditions such as lack of nutrients, extreme temperatures, or high levels of radiation. During sporulation, the bacteria create a tough, protective outer layer around their genetic material, which can withstand harsh conditions that would typically kill active bacteria. This enables them to survive until conditions improve, allowing them to reactivate and reproduce when the environment becomes more favorable. In contrast, other methods suggested by the options do not accurately describe the behaviors of inactive bacteria. Quick die-off would not serve as a survival strategy, and rapidly dividing would indicate an active state, contradicting the premise of inactivity. Additionally, while some bacteria can become non-pathogenic over time, this is not a primary survival mechanism like spore formation.