CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM--Bacteria with ENDOSPORES, causes BOTULISM, 500X - stock photo

CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM--Bacteria with ENDOSPORES, causes BOTULISM, 500X. Many of the bacterial cells show Endospores (swollen area with clear centers). These are resting, inactive cells with endospores that are very resistant to heat and other environmental factors. When the conditions are right, these endospores can produce an active cell that can start multiplying and produce botulinum toxin (one of the most toxic substances known) which can cause paralysis and death. Botulism is one type of food poisoning that can kill you extremely dead! Clostridium is an anaerobic bacterium that grows in an oxygen-poor (anaerobic) environment, like in a can of food that contains the bacteria.