Question

The filament and basal body are associated with which of the following external structures found in some bacterial cells?

a) Capsule
b) Flagellum
c) Pilus
d) Plasmid

Answer 1

The filament and basal body are parts of the flagellum, a structure used by bacterial cells for motility in aqueous environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The filament and basal body are associated with the flagellum, which is an external structure found in some bacterial cells. The basal body is embedded in the plasma membrane and serves as the motor for the flagellum. It allows the stiff spiral filament, composed of flagellin protein subunits, to extend outward from the cell and function as a propeller for movement in aqueous environments. A hook region connects the basal body to the filament. The filament and basal body are not associated with the capsule, pilus, or plasmid.