Pili vs Fimbriae: What's the Difference?
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a major difference between Pili and Fimbriae?

  • Fimbriae are found only in gram negative bacteria, while Pili are found both in gram negative and gram positive bacteria
  • Pili are involved in cell to cell attachment during bacterial conjugation, while Fimbriae are involved in attachment of bacterial cell to host
  • Pili are longer and thicker than Fimbriae (correct)
  • Fimbriae are longer and thicker than Pili
  • How many Pili are generally found per bacterial cell?

  • 20-30
  • 50-100
  • 1-10 (correct)
  • 200-400
  • Which bacteria uses its Fimbriae to attach to the intestine and then produces a toxin that causes diarrhea?

  • Escherichia coli
  • Salmonella typhimurium
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Shigella dysenteriae (correct)
  • What governs the formation of Pili?

    <p>Plasmid genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of bacteria are Fimbriae found?

    <p>Both in gram negative and gram positive bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of Fimbriae?

    <p>Attachment of bacterial cell to host</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first obligatory step for infection according to the given text?

    <p>Attachment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacteria is not part of the Gram +ve Vaginal Flora mentioned in the text?

    <p>Bacteroides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure of spore protects the spore with keratine-like protein?

    <p>Coat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on pathogenicity, which staphylococci is a common pathogen according to the text?

    <p>S. aureus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mode of transmission for Staphylococcus aureus mentioned in the text?

    <p>Inhalation of air borne droplets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which disease is not produced by Staphylococcus aureus according to the given text?

    <p>Meningitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of peptidoglycan in bacterial cells?

    <p>Replication and survival in hostile conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is a major surface antigen of gram-positive species and is important in bacterial serotyping?

    <p>Teichoic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria from that of gram-positive bacteria?

    <p>It is more complex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the backbone of peptidoglycan composed of?

    <p>N-acetylglucosamine &amp; N-acetylmuramic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the cell wall constitutes a major surface antigen of gram-positive species and promotes attachment to other bacteria?

    <p>Teichoic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of lipoteichoic acid in gram-positive bacteria?

    <p>Promote attachment to other bacteria as well as to specific receptors on mammalian cell surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure provides a permeability barrier to large and hydrophobic molecules in Gram-negative bacteria?

    <p>Outer membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Gram-negative bacteria?

    <p>Induce innate immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which external structure is important for survival in the host, despite being unnecessary for the growth of bacteria?

    <p>Capsules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of flagella in bacteria?

    <p>Provide motility for bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of flagella arrangement is characterized by a tuft of polar flagella at one pole of the bacteria?

    <p>Lophotrichous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of Pili and fimbriae in bacteria?

    <p>Adhesion to surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the Gram-negative bacterial structure is unique and forms an 'asymmetric bilayer' structure?

    <p>Outer membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Ropelike propeller's composed of helically coiled protein subunits (flagellin)' describes which bacterial structure?

    <p>Flagella</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Pili vs. Fimbriae

    • Major difference: Pili are typically longer and fewer in number compared to fimbriae.
    • Generally, 1 to 10 pili are found per bacterial cell.
    • Fimbriae help bacteria adhere to surfaces, such as the intestinal lining.

    Bacterial Pathogenicity

    • Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) uses fimbriae to attach to the intestine and produces toxins causing diarrhea.
    • The first obligatory step for infection is adhesion to host tissues.
    • Staphylococcus epidermidis is not part of the Gram-positive vaginal flora mentioned.

    Spore Structure

    • The spore's protective structure made of keratin-like protein is the spore coat.

    Pathogens and Diseases

    • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogenic staphylococcus based on pathogenicity.
    • Mode of transmission for Staphylococcus aureus primarily includes person-to-person contact.
    • Staphylococcus aureus does not cause psoriasis.

    Cell Wall Composition

    • Peptidoglycan's main function is to provide structural integrity to the bacterial cell wall.
    • Teichoic acids are a major surface antigen of Gram-positive bacteria, aiding in serotyping.
    • Gram-negative bacteria differ from Gram-positive bacteria in that they have a thinner layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane.

    Peptidoglycan Structure

    • The backbone of peptidoglycan is composed of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM).
    • Teichoic acids also promote attachment to other bacteria.

    Gram-negative Bacteria Features

    • The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria provides a permeability barrier to large and hydrophobic molecules.
    • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Gram-negative bacteria contributes to structural integrity and provides a barrier against toxic compounds.

    Bacterial Survival Structures

    • Capsules are external structures critical for bacterial survival within the host, even if they do not contribute to bacterial growth.

    Flagella Function and Structure

    • The primary function of flagella is motility, enabling bacterial movement.
    • Lophotrichous arrangement is characterized by a tuft of polar flagella at one pole.
    • Pili and fimbriae mainly function in adhesion to surfaces or other cells.

    Unique Bacterial Structures

    • The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains LPS and forms an 'asymmetric bilayer' structure.
    • The description “ropelike propeller's composed of helically coiled protein subunits (flagellin)” refers to flagella.

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    Description

    Discover the key disparities between pili and fimbriae in bacteria. Learn about their structural composition, distribution, function, and significance in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.

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