Which bacterial structure primarily functions in adhesion, helping the cell stick to surfaces and host tissues?

• A. Endospores
• B. Flagella
• C. Fimbriae (pili)
• D. Ribosomes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function described in the question: adhesion, which means helping the bacterial cell stick to surfaces and host tissues.
2. Recall the roles of the given bacterial structures: Endospores are for survival under harsh conditions, Flagella are for motility, Ribosomes are for protein synthesis.
3. Understand that Fimbriae (also called pili) are hair-like appendages on the bacterial surface that enable attachment to surfaces and host cells.
4. Match the function of adhesion specifically to Fimbriae, as they are specialized for this purpose.
5. Conclude that among the options, Fimbriae (pili) primarily function in adhesion.