LooseLeaf Benson's Microbiological Applications Laboratory Manual-Concise Version
LooseLeaf Benson's Microbiological Applications Laboratory Manual-Concise Version
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781259705236
Author: Alfred E Brown Ph.D., Heidi Smith
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 13, Problem 1SAQ
Summary Introduction

To explain: The functions of the capsule or slime layer in bacterial cells.

Introduction: Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that maintain a definite shape since they contain the rigid cell wall. They are classified into different types based on the structure, namely coccus (spherical shaped), Bacillus (rod-shaped), filamentous, spirilla (spiral-shaped), appendaged, and pleomorphic bacteria. The structure of bacteria can be viewed under the microscope using the staining methods.

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The capsule is the extracellular gel-like layer that surrounds the outside of the cell wall of many bacterial cells. If the layer is irregular and diffuses, then it is called a slime layer. The capsule serves as the protective structures that prevent it from phagocytic white blood cells from engulfing through phagocytosis. It also serves as the site of attachment of the bacterial cells to solid surfaces.

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Bacterial Structure and Functions; Author: Osmosis;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b15Hy3jCPDs;License: Standard youtube license