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Questions and Answers
A bacterial cell is found to be highly resistant to phagocytosis. Which structure is most likely contributing to this characteristic?
A bacterial cell is found to be highly resistant to phagocytosis. Which structure is most likely contributing to this characteristic?
- Cytoplasmic membrane, due to its selective permeability that prevents entry of digestive enzymes.
- Cell wall, due to its rigid structure that provides a physical barrier against phagocytic cells.
- Slime layer, due to its loosely organized structure that interferes with immune cell attachment.
- Capsule, due to its organized structure that prevents recognition and engulfment by phagocytes. (correct)
A researcher is studying a newly discovered bacterium that forms biofilms on medical implants. Which external structure would most likely be responsible for this bacterium's ability to adhere to the implant surface?
A researcher is studying a newly discovered bacterium that forms biofilms on medical implants. Which external structure would most likely be responsible for this bacterium's ability to adhere to the implant surface?
- A complex outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides that promote hydrophobic interactions.
- A thick peptidoglycan layer providing a rough surface for initial attachment.
- A slime layer composed of loosely attached, water-soluble glycocalyx. (correct)
- A well-defined capsule made of repeating polysaccharide units.
Which of the following characteristics is commonly associated with both capsules and slime layers?
Which of the following characteristics is commonly associated with both capsules and slime layers?
- Enable bacteria to resist desiccation by retaining moisture around the cell. (correct)
- Composed of a repeating, highly organized structure of organic chemicals firmly attached to the cell wall.
- Directly involved in the synthesis of ATP for cellular energy.
- Primarily composed of inorganic compounds that enhance structural rigidity.
A scientist is comparing two different strains of bacteria; one has a capsule and the other has a slime layer. Which of the following is a key difference that the scientist would expect to observe?
A scientist is comparing two different strains of bacteria; one has a capsule and the other has a slime layer. Which of the following is a key difference that the scientist would expect to observe?
If a bacterium loses its ability to produce a glycocalyx, what is the most likely consequence for the cell?
If a bacterium loses its ability to produce a glycocalyx, what is the most likely consequence for the cell?
Flashcards
Glycocalyx
Glycocalyx
A sticky, gelatinous substance outside the cell made of polysaccharides and polypeptides.
Capsule
Capsule
An organized glycocalyx layer firmly attached to the cell surface, protecting the cell from drying out and immune detection.
Slime Layer
Slime Layer
A loosely attached, water-soluble glycocalyx layer that protects cells and facilitates attachment to surfaces.
Protection from Desiccation
Protection from Desiccation
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Bacteria Recognition Prevention
Bacteria Recognition Prevention
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Study Notes
External Structures
- Glycocalyx/Glycocalyx is a sticky, gelatinous substance outside the cell
- Composed of polysaccharides, polypeptides, or both
- Two types: capsule, and slime layer
Capsule
- Organized repeating units of organic chemicals (sugars/proteins)
- Firmly attached to cell surface
- Protects cells from desiccation (drying out)
- Prevents bacteria from being recognized and destroyed by the host
- Example: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Slime Layer
- Loosely attached to cell surface
- Water-soluble
- Protects cells from desiccation
- Allows prokaryotes to attach to surfaces
- Example: Oral bacteria that causes tooth decay
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