The remarkable resistance of endospores is attributed to several factors: - Thick Spore Coat: The outermost layer provides a robust physical barrier. - Low Water Content: Dehydration within the core protects cellular components from damage. - Dipicolinic Acid: This compound, found in the core, stabilizes proteins and DNA. - Small, Acid-Soluble Spore Proteins (SASPs): These proteins bind and protect DNA from damage.
