What form can certain bacteria take when nutrients are scarce?

When nutrients are scarce, certain bacteria can enter a dormant stage by forming spores. This process allows them to survive extreme environmental conditions, including lack of nutrients. Spores are resistant to heat, desiccation, and chemicals, which makes them a highly effective survival mechanism. During adverse conditions, the bacteria can encapsulate their genetic material and vital cellular components within a tough protective coating, creating a spore that can remain viable for long periods until conditions improve. When favorable conditions return, the spores can germinate back into active bacteria.

In contrast, capsules are a protective layer that surrounds some bacteria but are not a dormant form. Spirals refer to the shape of certain bacteria but do not relate to survival under nutrient scarcity. Biofilm is a community of microorganisms adhering to surfaces, which allows bacteria to thrive in specific environments but does not denote a dormant survival form.