Match the structures with their descriptions following. A letter may be used more than once or not at all, and more than one letter may be correct for each blank.


  ____ Glycocalyx
  ____ Flagella
  ____ Axial filaments
 ____ Cilia
  ____ Fimbriae
  ____ Pili
  ____ Hami




A. Bristlelike projections found in quantities of 100 or more
B. Long whip
C. Responsible for conjugation
D. “Sweet cup” composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides
E. Numerous “grappling-hook” projections
F. Responsible for motility of spirochetes
G. Extensions not used for cell motility
H. Made of tubulin in eukaryotes
I. Made of flagellin in bacteria

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure 'Glycocalyx' and match it with its description. The glycocalyx is often referred to as a 'sweet cup' composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides, which corresponds to option D.
2. Consider the structure 'Flagella'. In bacteria, flagella are long whip-like structures made of flagellin, which matches with options B and I.
3. Examine 'Axial filaments'. These are responsible for the motility of spirochetes, aligning with option F.
4. Look at 'Cilia'. In eukaryotes, cilia are made of tubulin, which corresponds to option H.
5. Analyze 'Fimbriae', 'Pili', and 'Hami'. Fimbriae are bristlelike projections found in quantities of 100 or more, matching option A. Pili are responsible for conjugation, matching option C. Hami have numerous 'grappling-hook' projections, matching option E.

Key Concepts

Glycocalyx

The glycocalyx is a sticky layer composed of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides that surrounds the cell membrane of some bacteria. It serves various functions, including protection against desiccation, aiding in cell recognition, and facilitating adherence to surfaces. The structure can be classified into two types: a capsule, which is well-organized and firmly attached, and a slime layer, which is more loosely associated.

Flagella

Flagella are long, whip-like structures that protrude from the cell body and are primarily responsible for the motility of bacteria. They are composed of a protein called flagellin and rotate like a propeller to enable movement. The arrangement and number of flagella can vary among different bacterial species, influencing their swimming patterns and behavior in various environments.

Pili and Fimbriae

Pili and fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of many bacteria. Fimbriae are shorter and more numerous, often functioning in adhesion to surfaces or other cells, while pili are longer and typically involved in processes such as conjugation, where genetic material is transferred between bacterial cells. Both structures play crucial roles in bacterial colonization and biofilm formation.