File:Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis.jpg

The Bacillus subtilis (Stage I) in vegetative growth is in unfavorable conditions, so it begins the process of sporulation. Examples of unfavorable conditions are an environment that lacks the required nutrients, is too hot, or too cold. Asymmetric (unequal) division occurs from the tightening of the Z-ring (Stage II). The Z-ring is multiple FtsZ proteins assembled into a ring that depolymerizes to cause an inward constriction, which will form the septum that results in two daughter cells. The mother cell, which is the bigger of the two daughter cells, engulfs the pre-spore (Stage III). Next, the cortex (Stage IV) and the coat (Stage V) form around the spore. The cortex is made of peptidoglycan and the coat is composed of several layers of specific proteins. Once the spore is mature, the cell lyses (Stage VI and VII). Thus, a free endospore is formed that can withstand harsh environments. This endospore can later germinate into a vegetative cell. Vegetative cycle occurs in favorable conditions, such as nutrient abundance and a moderate temperature. This is a cycle of medial division and growth creating more vegetative Bacillus subtilis.