Difference Between Slime Layer and Capsule

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. What are the functions of slime layers and capsules?
2. How do Capsules and slime layers differ quizlet?
3. What are two functions of the capsule or slime layer?
4. What is slime layer made of?
5. What is the difference between capsule and Glycocalyx?
6. Do all bacteria have a capsule?
7. What are Capsules and slime layers usually composed of?
8. What is the central idea of the endosymbiont theory?
9. What is the difference between flagella and pili?
10. What are the two main functions of Glycocalyx?
11. What is underneath the cell's slime layer?
12. What is the color of the capsule?

What are the functions of slime layers and capsules?

The function of the slime layer is to protect the bacteria cells from environmental dangers such as antibiotics and desiccation. The slime layer allows bacteria to adhere to smooth surfaces such as prosthetic implants and catheters, as well as other smooth surfaces like petri-dishes.

How do Capsules and slime layers differ quizlet?

A capsule is closely associated with cells and does not wash off easily, while a slime layer is more diffuse and easily washed off. What is the difference between a capsule and a slime layer? Because they are composed of polysaccharides. ... An extraordinary resistance cell produce by some types of bacteria.

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 slime layer made of?

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.

What is the difference between capsule and Glycocalyx?

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.

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 Capsules and slime layers usually composed of?

Capsule or slime layer is used to describe glycocalyx which is a thin, high molecular weight secretory substance present in many bacteria external to cell wall (Fig. 7.6). It is composed of polysaccharide, polypeptide, or both.

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 flagella and pili?

Flagella are long whip-like filamentous structures occur on the surface of some bacteria. Pili are long hair like tubular microfibres like structures present on the surface of 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?

The slime forms a common matrix for the cell population when growth occurs in swarms on solid surfaces. Underneath the slime layer is a cell envelope consisting of an outer membrane and an inner membrane (plasma or cell membrane).

What is the color of the capsule?

While the body of the capsule remains white, the color of the cap is of increasing shade from yellow, orange, scarlet to blue for the highest strength.