Which of the following virulence factors is not correctly paired with its function?

• A. Hemolysin – lyses red blood cells
• B. Capsule – inhibits phagocytosis
• C. Fimbriae – degrade host cell membranes
• D. Exotoxin – disrupts host cell function

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of virulence factors. Virulence factors are molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to the organism's ability to cause disease by overcoming host defenses or damaging host tissues.
2. Step 2: Review each virulence factor and its commonly known function: Hemolysin is a toxin that lyses red blood cells, Capsule helps inhibit phagocytosis by immune cells, Exotoxins disrupt host cell functions by various mechanisms.
3. Step 3: Analyze the pairing of Fimbriae with its function. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages on bacterial surfaces primarily involved in adhesion to host cells, not in degrading host cell membranes.
4. Step 4: Compare the given function 'degrade host cell membranes' with the known function of fimbriae. Since fimbriae do not degrade membranes, this pairing is incorrect.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the incorrect pairing is 'Fimbriae – degrade host cell membranes' because fimbriae function mainly in attachment, not membrane degradation.