Question

Which two structures play direct roles in permitting bacteria to adhere to each other, or to other surfaces? 1. capsules 2. endospores 3. fimbriae 4. plasmids 5. flagella

Answer 1

Fimbriae and capsules are the two structures that enable bacteria to adhere to each other or to different surfaces. Fimbriae are protein projections for attachment, while capsules are polysaccharide layers that also assist in adherence and immune system evasion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two structures that play direct roles in permitting bacteria to adhere to each other, or to other surfaces, are fimbriae and capsules. Fimbriae are short, bristle-like protein projections that cover the bacterial cell surface and allow bacteria to attach to various surfaces, including other cells. This attachment is crucial for pathogenic bacteria in terms of colonization, infectivity, and virulence, and is also significant for biofilm formation. On the other hand, bacterial capsules consist of polysaccharides and are part of the glycocalyx. These capsules enable bacteria to adhere to environmental surfaces and play a role in evading the host's immune system.

Answer 2

Answer: Options 1 and 3

Explanation: The capsule are found in many prokaryotes. The capsule is a sticky outermost layer, it consist of polysaccharides. The capsule helps microorganisms to adhere to each other and to surfaces in their environment. It also helps prevent the cell from drying out.

The fimbriae are microscopic short, bristle like fibers used by microorganisms such as bacteria to adhere to one another and to adhere to cells and other inanimate objects. Bacterium may possess as many as 1,000 fimbriae. Fimbriae can only be visible with the use of an electron microscope. They can either be straight or flexible.