A
microbial cyst is a resting or
dormant stage of a microorganism, usually a
bacterium or a
protist or rarely an
invertebrate animal, that helps the organism to survive in unfavorable environmental conditions. It can be thought of as a state of
suspended animation in which the
metabolic processes of the cell are slowed down and the cell ceases all activities like feeding and locomotion.
Encystment also helps the microbe to disperse easily, from one
host to another or to a more favorable environment. When the encysted microbe reaches an environment favorable to its growth and survival, the cyst wall breaks down by a process known as
excystation.