Appendages that propel bacterial cells through an aqueous environment include axial filaments and which of the following?

• A. fimbriae
• B. flagella
• C. capsules
• D. pili

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that bacterial motility in an aqueous environment is primarily facilitated by structures that can generate movement or propulsion.
2. Recall that axial filaments (also known as endoflagella) are specialized structures found in spirochetes that enable movement by rotating the entire cell.
3. Identify other bacterial appendages involved in motility; fimbriae and pili are primarily used for attachment and conjugation, not for propulsion.
4. Recognize that flagella are long, whip-like appendages that rotate to propel bacterial cells through liquid environments, making them key structures for motility alongside axial filaments.
5. Conclude that the appendages that propel bacterial cells through an aqueous environment include axial filaments and flagella.