Bacterial Structures Quiz

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What is the main difference between a capsule and a slime layer in bacteria?

Capsules are found only in anthrax bacteria, while slime layers are found in all bacteria.

Capsules provide protection against phagocytes, while slime layers facilitate adhesion to surfaces.

Capsules are composed of polysaccharides, while slime layers are composed of polymerized D-glutamic acid.

Capsules are tightly bound to the cell wall, while slime layers are more loosely attached. (correct)

What is the primary function of the capsule or slime layer in bacteria?

To allow the bacteria to swim more efficiently.

To produce harmful enzymes that can damage host cells.

To provide a structural support for the cell wall.

To enable the bacteria to adhere to surfaces and resist flushing. (correct)

How does the capsule of a bacterium contribute to its virulence?

The capsule provides structural support that makes the bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.

The capsule helps the bacteria produce harmful enzymes that can damage host cells.

The capsule limits the ability of phagocytes to engulf and destroy the bacteria. (correct)

The capsule increases the bacteria's ability to change the pH of its environment.

What is the primary function of flagella in bacteria?

To enable the bacteria to move and swim towards nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the S-layer in some bacteria and archaea?

The S-layer is a regularly structured layer of identical proteins or glycoproteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the S-layer in bacteria and archaea?

To provide protection, enable adhesion, and contribute to virulence. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes bacterial bodies stain red with dyes such as methylene blue?

Metachromatic property Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the bacterial chromosome as described in the text?

Single, double-stranded circle in nucleoid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of plasmids in bacteria as mentioned in the text?

Provide selective advantage like antibiotic resistance Signup and view all the answers

Where are plasmids usually found in bacteria according to the text?

Gram negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mesosomes during bacterial cell division?

Function as the origin of the transverse septum Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific requirement for growth and multiplication of bacterial cells as described in the text?

Generation time (G) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of flagella in bacteria?

Moving the bacteria toward food and other attractants Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about pili (fimbriae) in bacteria is true?

They mediate attachment of bacteria to specific receptors on human cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria possesses axial filaments for motility?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of flagella in bacteria?

Flagellin protein Signup and view all the answers

Why are mutants of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that do not form pili nonpathogenic?

They cannot attach to specific receptors on human cell surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial structure is important in defining the shape of the cell and giving it mechanical strength?

Cell wall containing peptidoglycan Signup and view all the answers