Bacillus anthracis spores are resistant to UV light. Choose the most appropriate statement.

Bacillus anthracis spores are resistant to UV light. Choose the most appropriate statement.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (A)

Bacillus anthracis spores are highly resistant to UV light because the spore form provides strong protection for the DNA. UV radiation damages DNA by causing thymine dimers, but spores have multiple protective features: a robust spore coat and cortex, very low water content, and small acid-soluble proteins that bind and shield DNA. These factors keep the DNA less susceptible to UV damage until germination occurs. In practice, this means UV alone is not reliably sufficient to inactivate anthrax spores; higher doses or additional methods are typically needed.

Bacillus anthracis spores are highly resistant to UV light because the spore form provides strong protection for the DNA. UV radiation damages DNA by causing thymine dimers, but spores have multiple protective features: a robust spore coat and cortex, very low water content, and small acid-soluble proteins that bind and shield DNA. These factors keep the DNA less susceptible to UV damage until germination occurs. In practice, this means UV alone is not reliably sufficient to inactivate anthrax spores; higher doses or additional methods are typically needed.