Final answer:
The thick, gelatinous structure surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria, helping them adhere to surfaces and protect against harsh conditions, is known as a capsule. It plays a critical role in the formation of biofilms, like dental plaque, and contributes to bacterial colonization and infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria with a thick, gelatinous consistency is known as a capsule. This extracellular structure allows the bacteria to adhere to surfaces and resist desiccation. The capsule is also involved in the protection against chemicals and is a key component enabling the bacteria to form biofilms, such as dental plaque on teeth. A less organized and more easily washable layer called a slime layer can also fulfill a similar function for bacterial adherence. These capabilities play a significant role in bacterial colonization and infection.Bacterial cell walls contain peptidoglycan, essential for maintaining cell shape and preventing osmotic lysis. Biofilms represent colonies of prokaryotes attached to a surface, which can result from the action of the capsule allowing individual cells to stick together and to the surface they colonize. The presence of a capsule is a defining feature in differentiating types of bacteria and in understanding their pathogenic mechanisms.