Bacterial growth refers to their reproduction and increase in numbers. Rather than the growth of a single bacterium, which generally doesn't grow much in size.
The usual method of bacterial reproduction is by binary fission. A process by which a single cell divides to produce two new cells (takes 15 minutes to 16 hours, depending on bacterial type). Alternatively, some bacteria exchange genetic material with members of the same or different species by using their pili (tiny whiskers)
• Reproductive rate affected by changes in temperature, nutrition, and pH
Sporulation
• In an unfavorable environment, some bacilli form self-protective SPORES, called endospores. Their genetic material is condensed and surrounded by a thick wall. Spores are highly resistant to extreme heat, radiation, drying, and chemical agents, such as disinfectants. The spores germinate (revertto growing cells) on return to a favorable environment with nutrients
• Endospore-forming bacteria produce some of the most potent toxins known
• The most clinically significant endospore-forming bacteria. Include Bacillus and Clostridium genera;
