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Questions and Answers
What is the primary composition of a glycocalyx?
What is the primary composition of a glycocalyx?
- DNA and RNA
- Lipids and proteins
- Polysaccharides and polypeptides (correct)
- Nucleic acids and carbohydrates
How does a capsule enhance bacterial virulence?
How does a capsule enhance bacterial virulence?
- By disguising the bacteria from the immune system (correct)
- By enhancing metabolic activity of the bacteria
- By promoting rapid cell division
- By producing toxins that kill host cells
In what way does the glycocalyx help organisms retain nutrients?
In what way does the glycocalyx help organisms retain nutrients?
- By attracting additional nutrient molecules
- By facilitating nutrient absorption through the cell membrane
- By acting as a barrier against toxins
- By providing a sticky surface for nutrients to adhere (correct)
What role does a capsule play in the interaction between encapsulated bacteria and white blood cells?
What role does a capsule play in the interaction between encapsulated bacteria and white blood cells?
Which of the following best describes the appearance of bacterial colonies with capsules?
Which of the following best describes the appearance of bacterial colonies with capsules?
What function does the glycocalyx serve in terms of desiccation?
What function does the glycocalyx serve in terms of desiccation?
Which of the following statements about encapsulated bacteria is FALSE?
Which of the following statements about encapsulated bacteria is FALSE?
What is a common characteristic of capsules in bacteria?
What is a common characteristic of capsules in bacteria?
Which of the following surfaces can capsules help bacteria attach to?
Which of the following surfaces can capsules help bacteria attach to?
How can a capsule influence the process of phagocytosis?
How can a capsule influence the process of phagocytosis?
What is the primary function of the slime layer in bacteria?
What is the primary function of the slime layer in bacteria?
What occurs when bacteria with capsules or slime layers form microcolonies?
What occurs when bacteria with capsules or slime layers form microcolonies?
How do biofilms provide protection for their microbial populations?
How do biofilms provide protection for their microbial populations?
What visible characteristic indicates the presence of capsules in a stained bacterial preparation?
What visible characteristic indicates the presence of capsules in a stained bacterial preparation?
Which of the following environments can biofilms form in?
Which of the following environments can biofilms form in?
What is the challenge associated with capsule staining procedures?
What is the challenge associated with capsule staining procedures?
What is a common example of a biofilm that forms in the human body?
What is a common example of a biofilm that forms in the human body?
What is the role of the fluid glycocalyx layer in biofilm formation?
What is the role of the fluid glycocalyx layer in biofilm formation?
During a capsule stain procedure, what does a student observe?
During a capsule stain procedure, what does a student observe?
What is a significant consequence of the formation of biofilms in terms of health?
What is a significant consequence of the formation of biofilms in terms of health?
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Study Notes
Glycocalyx
- A glycocalyx is a substance adhering to the external surface of cells.
- It is composed of polysaccharide, polypeptide, or both.
- It protects organisms from drying out and helps to retain nutrients.
Capsule
- A capsule is a thick layer that adheres tightly to organisms.
- It often gives bacteria a mucoid appearance.
- Capsule composition is unique for each organism.
- The capsule can protect bacteria from the host immune response.
- Encapsulated bacteria are often more pathogenic than non-encapsulated species.
- Capsules allow bacteria to attach to surfaces, such as the respiratory tract and the urinary tract.
Slime layer
- A slime layer is a loosely attached glycocalyx.
- Its main function is to allow bacteria to adhere to their environment.
- It protects the cell against drying out, helps to trap nutrients, and helps in the formation of biofilms.
Biofilms
- Biofilms are formed by bacteria encased in capsules or a slime layer.
- They can form on surfaces like oil pipelines, medical devices, sewage treatment equipment, and the human body.
- Biofilms provide protection for the microbial population within them by shielding them from antibiotics, disinfectants, and the host immune system.
- An example of a biofilm is the plaque on our teeth.
Capsule Staining
- Capsule staining is difficult due to the capsular material's solubility in water.
- Capsules are visible as halos around bacterial cells.
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