Final answer:
Bacteria have filamentous appendages like fimbriae, pili, and flagella that aid in attachment to surfaces, DNA transfer, and movement. A glycocalyx, including capsules and slime layers, also aids in attachment and immune evasion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Filamentous Appendages of Bacteria
Many bacteria have specialized structures known as filamentous appendages that extend from their cell envelopes. These appendages are critical for interactions with the environment. The primary types of filamentous appendages include fimbriae, pili, and flagella.
- Fimbriae are numerous, short appendages that aid in adherence to surfaces.
- Pili are longer than fimbriae and fewer in number. They play a role in adherence and are important in the process of conjugation for the transfer of DNA between bacterial cells.
- Flagella serve as locomotive appendages, allowing bacteria to move by rotating and propelling the cell through aqueous environments.
In addition to these appendages, some bacteria also produce a glycocalyx, which includes capsules and slime layers that facilitate attachment to surfaces and can also help in evading the host's immune system. The glycocalyx's composition of sugars and proteins provides a favorable adhesive surface for these organisms.