Question

Consider the diagram of the basic structure of bacteria. a diagram of a bacterium is labeled. part a is the cell membrane, part b is the flagellum, part c is the nucleoid, and part d is the pilus. which of the labeled structures in the diagram allows bacteria to infect organisms under harsh conditions, such as in the acidic stomach?

Answer 1

Direct answer:

The labeled structure in the diagram that allows bacteria to infect organisms under harsh conditions, such as in the acidic stomach, is the pilus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pilus are thin, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of bacteria. They are used by bacteria to attach to other cells, including host cells. In some cases, pili can also help bacteria to penetrate host cells, allowing them to infect the host.

The acidic environment of the stomach is a harsh environment for many bacteria. However, some bacteria have pili that allow them to attach to the cells lining the stomach. This allows the bacteria to survive in the stomach and eventually infect the host.

For example, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori has pili that allow it to attach to the cells lining the stomach. This bacterium is a major cause of stomach ulcers.