What is a key characteristic of spore-forming bacteria?

A key characteristic of spore-forming bacteria is their ability to survive in harsh conditions by forming spores. Spores are specialized, protective structures that allow bacteria to endure extreme environments, such as high temperatures, desiccation, and lack of nutrients. When conditions become unfavorable for growth, these bacteria can enter a dormant state by producing spores, which can remain viable for extended periods. Once the environment becomes suitable again, the spores can germinate, and the bacteria can resume their normal growth and reproduction cycles.

In contrast, spore-forming bacteria do not consistently thrive in acidic environments, as indicated by the other choice. While some bacteria may prefer certain pH levels, many spore-formers can tolerate a range of conditions rather than specifically thriving in acid. The requirement for moisture to grow is a general characteristic of most bacteria, but spore-formers can be unique in their ability to survive dry conditions as spores. Lastly, spore-forming bacteria typically do not multiply rapidly in temperatures below 40°F, as this temperature is generally considered a cold range that can inhibit growth rather than promote rapid multiplication, which typically occurs at warmer temperatures.