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What are two functions of the capsule or glycocalyx in bacterial cells?
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What is a polysaccharide contained in the cell walls?
A Capsule. Capsule- in Mosses, the part that contains spores; in bacteria, a protective layer of polysaccharides around the cell wall.
What biological molecules can make up the bacterial capsule?
The cell capsule is a very large structure of some bacterial cells. It is a layer that lies outside the cell envelope of bacteria.
What is the chemical composition of bacterial capsule?
It usually consists of polysaccharides,[1] but can be composed of other materials (e.g., polypeptide in B. anthracis). Because most capsules are water soluble[citation needed], they are difficult to stain using standard stains because most stains do not adhere to the capsule. For examination under the microscope, the bacteria and their background are stained darker than the capsule, which doesn't stain. When viewed, bacterial cells as well as the surface they are on, are stained dark, while the capsule remains pale or colorless and appears as a ring around the cell.
What structure is an adaptation that helps certain bacteria ward off white blood cells?
The bacterial capsule. It's well organized and does not easily come off. It's slippery, which makes it difficult for phagocytes to hold on to.
How would you describe the morphology and arrangement of the cells in your capsule stain preparations?
Bacterial cells typically have one of three shapes: spherical (coccus), oblong (bacillus), or curved (spirillum of vibrio). Depending on the plane of binary fission, cells form chains, clusters with various geometry, or single cells.
Why are encapsulated strains much more likely to cause disease than strains that do not produce a capsule?
Some bacterial cells are surrounded by an extracellular slime layer called a capsule or glycocalyx. This structure can play a protective role for certain pathogenic bacteria such as streptococcus pneunoniae. The capsule prevents phagocytic white blood cells from engulfing and destroying this bacterial pathogen, enabling the organism to invade the lungs and cause pneumonia. The capsule is also a means for many bacteria to attach to solid surfaces in the environment.
What is a polysaccharide contained in the cell walls?
A Capsule. Capsule- in Mosses, the part that contains spores; in bacteria, a protective layer of polysaccharides around the cell wall.
What biological molecules can make up the bacterial capsule?
The cell capsule is a very large structure of some bacterial cells. It is a layer that lies outside the cell envelope of bacteria.
What makes up a glycocalyx and its function?
The glycocalyx is the outer layer of a bacteria cell. It helps the cell "stick" to other cells and other objects, as well as retain water. Its a gelatinous sticky substance that surrounds the outside of the cell for Prokaryotes. If the glycocalyx (singular) is composed of repeating organic subunits tightly affixed to the cell wall its nomenclature changes to, Capsule. The loose, water soluble glycocalyx is named, Slime Layer. Both prevent desiccation (drying out). For pathogenic bacteria, the glycocalyx provides a means for survival and the ability to attach to other cells and cause disease. Hope this helps.
What is the chemical nature of capsules?
The cell capsule is a very large structure of some bacterial cells. It is a layer that lies outside the cell envelope of bacteria.
What are three things that can happen if a microbial sample was overheated in heat fixation?
* Too much heat can lyse the cells and cause only fragments of cells to appear * The heat will shrink and destroy the capsule (glycocalyx) causing encapsulated bacteria to not be able to be stained * Way too much heat will incinerate the cells and won't allow you to see anything
What acts Like identification tags in the glycocalyx that enable the body to distinguish its own cells from foreign and diseased cells?
glycoproteins
What is the Difference between slime layer and capsule?
A glycocalyx is considered a slime layer is when the glycoprotein molecules are loosely associated with the cell wall. Bacteria that are covered with this loose shield are protected from dehydration and loss of nutrients. The glycocalyx is considered a capsule when the polysaccharides are more firmly attached to the cell wall. Capsules have a gummy, sticky consistency and provide protection as well as adhesion to solid surfaces and to nutrients in the environment. Bacteria that possess capsules are considered to be encapsulated, and generally have greater pathogenicity because capsules protect bacteria, even from phagocytic white blood cells of the immune system. The adhesive power of capsules is also a major factor in the initiation of some bacterial diseases. http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/bacterial_surface_coating_or_glycocalyx#ixzz0I3AXLpWr&D
Do plant cells and animal cells have slime capsule?
yes they do!
What is the chemical composition of bacterial capsule?
It usually consists of polysaccharides,[1] but can be composed of other materials (e.g., polypeptide in B. anthracis). Because most capsules are water soluble[citation needed], they are difficult to stain using standard stains because most stains do not adhere to the capsule. For examination under the microscope, the bacteria and their background are stained darker than the capsule, which doesn't stain. When viewed, bacterial cells as well as the surface they are on, are stained dark, while the capsule remains pale or colorless and appears as a ring around the cell.
What structure is an adaptation that helps certain bacteria ward off white blood cells?
The bacterial capsule. It's well organized and does not easily come off. It's slippery, which makes it difficult for phagocytes to hold on to.
Bacterial cells do not have a genetic material?
no, bacterial cells do not have genetic material
