Question

Match the bacterial structure to function

(i)	Cell wall	(a)	Virulence factor
(ii)	Glycocalyx	(b)	Selective permeability
		(c)	Attachment to surfaces
		(d)	Protection from osmotic lysis

• A. (i)-(b), (ii)-(d)
• B. (i)-(d), (ii)-(a)
• C. (i)-(c), (ii)-(b)
• D. (i)-(d), (ii)-(c)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, D

The functions of the bacterial structures are matched based on their primary roles:

Structure	Function
(i) Cell wall	(d) Protection from osmotic lysis
(ii) Glycocalyx	(a) Virulence factor, (c) Attachment to surfaces

 

$\text{Explanation}$

 

Cell Wall (i) $\rightarrow$ (d) Protection from osmotic lysis: The bacterial cell wall (peptidoglycan layer) provides the structural rigidity necessary to counteract the high internal turgor pressure of the cell. This prevents the cell from bursting (osmotic lysis) when placed in a hypotonic solution.

Glycocalyx (ii) $\rightarrow$ (a) Virulence factor AND (c) Attachment to surfaces: The Glycocalyx is an outer layer of polysaccharides (and sometimes polypeptides).

Attachment (c): When thick and structured (capsule), it aids in adherence to surfaces and other cells, forming biofilms.

Virulence (a): A major function of the capsule form is to protect the bacterium from phagocytosis by immune cells, thereby increasing the pathogen's ability to cause disease (i.e., acting as a virulence factor).

The correct matches are (i)-(d) and (ii)-(a) and (c).

Comparing with the options, since the Glycocalyx has two major functions listed:

Option 2: (i)-(d), (ii)-(a) $\rightarrow$ Correct (Focusing on the virulence/protection function of the capsule).

Option 4: (i)-(d), (ii)-(c) $\rightarrow$ Correct (Focusing on the attachment function).

Both Option 2 and Option 4 represent valid primary functions for the Glycocalyx paired with the unique function of the Cell Wall.

$$\text{The correct matches based on standard microbiology are } \mathbf{(i)-(d)} \text{ and } \mathbf{(ii)-(a) \text{ and } (c)}$$