Multiple Choice
Which prokaryotic cell surface structure is correctly matched with its function?
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7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Review of Prokaryotic Surface Structures
1:53 minutesProblem 1
Textbook Question
Match the structures with their descriptions following. A letter may be used more than once or not at all, and more than one letter may be correct for each blank.
____ Glycocalyx
____ Flagella
____ Axial filaments
____ Cilia
____ Fimbriae
____ Pili
____ Hami
A. Bristlelike projections found in quantities of 100 or more
B. Long whip
C. Responsible for conjugation
D. “Sweet cup” composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides
E. Numerous “grappling-hook” projections
F. Responsible for motility of spirochetes
G. Extensions not used for cell motility
H. Made of tubulin in eukaryotes
I. Made of flagellin in bacteria
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand each structure and its general characteristics. For example, Glycocalyx is an outer coating often composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides, which corresponds to a 'sweet cup' description.
Step 2: Match Glycocalyx with description D, since it is known as a 'sweet cup' composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides.
Step 3: Identify Flagella as long whip-like structures responsible for motility, which matches descriptions B (long whip) and I (made of flagellin in bacteria).
Step 4: Axial filaments are unique to spirochetes and are responsible for their motility, so match them with F (responsible for motility of spirochetes).
Step 5: For Cilia, which are bristlelike projections found in large numbers (100 or more) and made of tubulin in eukaryotes, match with A (bristlelike projections found in quantities of 100 or more) and H (made of tubulin in eukaryotes).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bacterial Surface Structures
Bacterial surface structures include various appendages like flagella, fimbriae, pili, and glycocalyx, each serving distinct functions such as motility, attachment, or protection. Understanding these structures helps in identifying their roles and matching them to descriptions based on morphology and function.
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Review of Prokaryotic Surface Structures
Motility Mechanisms in Bacteria
Motility in bacteria is primarily facilitated by flagella and axial filaments. Flagella are long, whip-like structures made of flagellin that rotate to propel the cell, while axial filaments, found in spirochetes, wrap around the cell and enable corkscrew movement.
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Functions of Specialized Appendages
Specialized appendages like pili and fimbriae have roles beyond motility; pili are involved in conjugation (DNA transfer), while fimbriae aid in attachment to surfaces. Hami are unique grappling-hook-like structures used by some archaea for attachment, highlighting diversity in microbial appendages.
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