Difference Between Capsule and Slime Layer

Many bacterial cells secrete some extracellular material in the form of a capsule or a slime layer. A slime layer is loosely associated with the bacterium and can be easily washed off, whereas a capsule is attached tightly to the bacterium and has definite boundaries.

1. How do Capsules and slime layers differ quizlet?
2. What are the functions of slime layers and capsules?
3. What are two functions of the capsule or slime layer?
4. What is the function of slime layer in bacteria?
5. Which structure is most closely associated with biofilm formation?
6. What is the central idea of the endosymbiont theory?
7. What is the difference between Glycocalyx and slime layer?
8. What is the function of a Glycocalyx capsule slime layer?
9. Do all bacteria have a capsule?
10. What are the two main functions of Glycocalyx?
11. What is underneath the cell's slime layer?
12. How does capsule protect the bacteria?

How do Capsules and slime layers differ quizlet?

Capsules are dense and tightly bound to the cell, and are commonly used as virulence factors. Slime layers are loose, less dense and loosely bound to the cell.

What are the functions of slime layers and capsules?

If glycocalyx is more easily deformed and loosely attached to cell wall it is called slime layer, a well-organized layer, not easily washed off. The capsule is considered a virulence factor because it enhances the ability of bacteria to cause disease.

What are two functions of the capsule or slime layer?

Biofilms are composed of many cells and their outer barriers. The primary functions of both capsules and slime layers are for protection and adhesion.

What is the function of slime layer in bacteria?

The slime layer is an easily removed, diffuse, unorganized layer of extracellular material which surrounds the bacterial cell. It is usually composed of polysaccharides and it may serve to trap nutrients, to aid in cell motility, to bind cells together or to adhere to smooth surfaces.

Which structure is most closely associated with biofilm formation?

Which structure is most closely associated with biofilm formation? The is a polysaccharide protective coating outside of the bacterial cell wall that is called either a capsule or slime layer based on its structure.

What is the central idea of the endosymbiont theory?

The endosymbiotic theory states that some of the organelles in eukaryotic cells were once prokaryotic microbes. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the same size as prokaryotic cells and divide by binary fission. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA which is circular, not linear.

What is the difference between Glycocalyx and slime layer?

In bacteria and nature

The glycocalyx exists in bacteria as either a capsule or a slime layer. ... The difference between a capsule and a slime layer is that in a capsule polysaccharides are firmly attached to the cell wall, while in a slime layer, the glycoproteins are loosely attached to the cell wall.

What is the function of a Glycocalyx capsule slime layer?

Article Summary: Some bacteria have an additional layer outside of the cell wall called the glycocalyx. This coating of macromolecules protects the cell and helps it adhere to surfaces. A glycocalyx is considered a slime layer when the glycoprotein molecules are loosely associated with the cell wall.

Do all bacteria have a capsule?

Not all bacterial species produce capsules; however, the capsules of encapsulated pathogens are often important determinants of virulence. Encapsulated species are found among both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

What are the two main functions of Glycocalyx?

The glycocalyx enables certain bacteria to resist phagocytic engulfment by white blood cells in the body or protozoans in soil and water. The glycocalyx also enables some bacteria to adhere to environmental surfaces (rocks, root hairs, teeth, etc.), colonize, and resist flushing.

What is underneath the cell's slime layer?

A slime layer in bacteria is an easily removable (e.g. by centrifugation), unorganized layer of extracellular material that surrounds bacteria cells. Specifically, this consists mostly of exopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Therefore, the slime layer is considered as a subset of glycocalyx.

How does capsule protect the bacteria?

The capsule helps the bacteria to adhere to surfaces, camouflages the bacteria from the immune system by mimicking the host tissues, and makes the bacteria resistant to complement invasiveness. A capsule protects cells from desiccation and toxic metabolites in the environment (heavy metal ions and free radicals).