Question

Bacteria have:

• A. Slime or Capsule
• B. Slime layer
• C. Capsule
• D. Slime layer and capsule

Hint:

Capsules and slime layers are critical for bacterial survival as they help with protection from host immune responses and enable bacteria to adhere to surfaces, contributing to pathogenicity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can live in diverse environments. Their structure often includes an outer protective layer that can appear in various forms such as a slime layer, a capsule, or a combination of both.

The slime layer is a loose, water-soluble layer that surrounds the cell wall. Its primary role is to protect bacteria from environmental stress and help them adhere to surfaces.

The capsule is a more organized and tightly bound structure than the slime layer. It offers added protection against desiccation and can help bacteria evade a host's immune system due to its antiphagocytic properties.

Many bacteria possess both a slime layer and a capsule, providing advantages from both structures. Thus, the correct answer is: Slime layer and capsule.