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Ch. 7 - Inside the Cell
Freeman - Biological Science 7th Edition
Freeman7th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9783584863285Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFreeman 7th EditionCh. 7 - Inside the CellProblem 5
Chapter 7, Problem 5

Which of the following cell structures would you expect to be most important in the growth of bacteria on the surface of your teeth?
a. Cell wall
b. Fimbriae
c. Flagella
d. Cilia

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of each cell structure option provided: cell wall, fimbriae, flagella, and cilia.
Cell walls provide structural support and protection, but are not directly involved in attachment to surfaces.
Fimbriae are hair-like structures that allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces, which is crucial for growth on teeth.
Flagella are tail-like structures used for movement, not attachment, so they are less relevant for bacteria adhering to teeth.
Cilia are similar to flagella but are typically found in eukaryotic cells, not bacteria, and are used for movement rather than attachment.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fimbriae

Fimbriae are hair-like appendages on the surface of bacterial cells that enable them to adhere to surfaces, such as the enamel of teeth. This adhesion is crucial for bacteria to colonize and form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that contribute to dental plaque formation. Understanding fimbriae is essential for recognizing how bacteria establish themselves in the oral cavity.
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Fimbriae

Biofilm Formation

Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria that attach to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. In the context of dental health, biofilms on teeth can lead to plaque formation, which is a precursor to cavities and gum disease. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms is a key factor in their growth and persistence on teeth surfaces.
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Introduction to Biofilms

Bacterial Adhesion

Bacterial adhesion is the process by which bacteria attach to surfaces, a critical step in colonization and biofilm formation. This process often involves specific structures like fimbriae, which facilitate the initial attachment to surfaces such as teeth. Understanding bacterial adhesion helps explain how bacteria can persist in the oral environment and contribute to dental issues.
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Properties of Water- Cohesion and Adhesion
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following results provided evidence of a discrete nuclear localization signal somewhere on the nucleoplasmin protein?

a. The nucleoplasmin protein was small and easily slipped through the nuclear pore complex.

b. After cleavage of the nucleoplasmin protein, only the tail segments appeared in the nucleus.

c. Removing the tail from the nucleoplasmin protein allowed the core segment to enter the nucleus.

d. The SRP bound only to the tail of the nucleoplasmin protein, not the core segment.

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Textbook Question

Molecular zip codes direct molecules to particular destinations in the cell. How are these signals read?

a. They bind to receptor proteins.

b. They enter transport vesicles.

c. They bind to motor proteins.

d. They are glycosylated by enzymes.

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Textbook Question

How does the hydrolysis of ATP result in the movement of a motor protein along a cytoskeletal filament?

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Textbook Question

Cells that line your intestines are known to possess a large number of membrane proteins that transport small molecules and ions across the plasma membrane. Which of the following cell structures would you expect to be required for this characteristic of the cells?

a. The endoplasmic reticulum

b. Peroxisomes

c. Lysosomes

d. The cell wall

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Textbook Question

Most of the proteins that enter the nucleus possess a nuclear localization signal (NLS), even if they are small enough to pass through the nuclear pore complex unhindered. Why would a small protein have an NLS, when it naturally diffuses across the nuclear pore complex without one?

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Textbook Question

The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a highly dynamic network of filaments and motor proteins. Which of the following correctly describe activities of these cytoskeletal components? Select True or False for each statement.

T/FMyosin motors walk toward the plus ends of intermediate filaments.

T/FDynein motors are responsible for the whip-like movement of eukaryotic flagella.

T/FKinesin motors move vesicles along tracks toward the microtubule-organizing center.

T/FActin filaments are required for cytoplasmic streaming.

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