What is the structure and function of a capsule?

3.2 Capsules. The bacterial capsule is usually a hydrated polysaccharide structure that covers the outer layer of the cell wall, and in most bacteria it is composed of monosaccharides linked together via glycosidic bonds. However, amino acid (peptide) and protein–carbohydrate capsules have also been described.

What is the difference between capsule and slime layer?

A slime layer is loosely associated with the bacterium and can be easily washed off, whereas a capsule is attached tightly to the bacterium and has definite boundaries. Capsules can protect a bacterial cell from ingestion and destruction by white blood cells (phagocytosis).

What is the main structure of capsule and slime layer?

It is a glycocalyx layer consisting of tightly associated polysaccharide molecules with the cell wall. It is a glycocalyx layer consisting of loosely associated glycoprotein molecules. The capsule is composed of polysaccharides. The Slime layer is composed of glycoprotein, glycolipids, and exopolysaccharide.

What is Mesosomes function?

– The main function of the mesosome is to increase the surface area of the cell, thus helping in aerobic respiration. It also serves as a site for chromosome replication and oxidative photophosphorylation. These functions can be considered analogous to the cristae in the mitochondria.

What are the function of pili?

A pilus is a thin, rigid fiber made of protein that protrudes from the cell surface. The primary function of pili are to attach a bacterial cell to specific surfaces or to other cells.

What is the importance of slime layer?

The slime layer is an easily removed, diffuse, unorganized layer of extracellular material which surrounds the bacterial cell. It is usually composed of polysaccharides and it may serve to trap nutrients, to aid in cell motility, to bind cells together or to adhere to smooth surfaces.

What is cytoplasm function?

Cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is the gel-like fluid inside the cell. It is the medium for chemical reaction. It provides a platform upon which other organelles can operate within the cell. All of the functions for cell expansion, growth and replication are carried out in the cytoplasm of a cell.

What is a cell capsule made of?

The capsule is composed of polysaccharides that cover the cell wall, which is made up of peptidoglycan and teichoic acid, characterizing the classic gram positive structure; It acts as the principal antiphagocytic and protective element that prevents access of the leukocytes to the underlying cell wall elements.

What are the functions of capsules?

Capsules can protect a bacterial cell from ingestion and destruction by white blood cells (phagocytosis). While the exact mechanism for escaping phagocytosis is unclear, it may occur because capsules make bacterial surface components more slippery, helping the bacterium to escape engulfment by phagocytic cells.

What is the function of slime layer and capsule in bacteria?

Both slime layer and capsule are virulence factors of bacteria. Both slime layer and capsule are protective covers that aid bacteria. Both slime layer and capsule are located outside the cell envelope or cell wall. Both slime layer and capsule are not essential for the cell viability. Capsule and slime layer are mainly composed of polysaccharides.

What is the composition of slime layer?

Slime layer is composed mostly of exopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Slime layer can be easily washed off due to its loose adhesion to the cell wall. What is Capsule?

What is glycocalyx and capsule slime layer?

A slime layer is created when the amorphous viscid secretion (that makes up the capsule) diffuses into the surrounding medium and persists as a loose secretion. The glycocalyx is a term that refers to both the capsule and the slime layer.

What is the function of a capsule in a bacteria?

Capsules can protect a bacterial cell from ingestion and destruction by white blood cells ( phagocytosis ). While the exact mechanism for escaping phagocytosis is unclear, it may occur because capsules make bacterial surface components more slippery, helping the bacterium to escape engulfment by phagocytic cells.