Under adverse conditions, certain bacteria can protect the cell s genetic material by producing spores. These are extremely resistant capsules of genetic materials. Though there are no discernible life processes in the spore, under proper sporulation conditions, a viable, reproducing cell will germinate from it. Factors Affecting Growth Microorganisms, like other living organisms, are dependent on their environment to provide for their basic needs. Adverse conditions can alter their growth rate or kill them.
Microbes differ in their abilities to use substrates as nutrient sources.
Their enzyme systems are made available according to their genetic code. They vary in ability to use nitrogen sources to produce amino acids and, therefore, proteins. Some require amino acids to be supplied by the substrate. When organisms need special materials provided by their environment, we refer to them as fastidious. Difference in the utilization of nutrients and the waste products they produce are important in differentiating between organisms.