You have isolated a mutant strain of Bacillus subtilis (which you designate wimP) whose endospores can be killed by boiling water. When you analyze the endospores produced by this strain, you find that compared to endospores produced by the parent (a wild-type strain), the wimP spores have significantly:.
a. elevated amounts of germination factors.
b. reduced amounts of small acid-soluble proteins.
c. reduced amounts of germination factors.
d. lower amounts of spore coat proteins.
e. higher water content.

The correct answer is option e. "higher water content".

Explanation:

One of the features that make endospores resistant to high heat in its low water content. The cortex of the endospore osmotically removes the water from the interior of the endospore, condition that protects them from heat and radiation. The wimP spores that can be killed by boiling water most likely have a higher water content in comparison to wild-type endospore. This explains why wimP spores are susceptible to be killed with the heat generated by boiling water.