Bacterial Cells info

Question 1

Flagella

Answer 1

Tail-like structures that allow the cell to move through liquids

Question 2

Pili

Answer 2

Tiny ‘hair-like’ structures that enable the cell to attach to structures, such as the cells that line your digestive tract. Pili are also used to transfer genetic material between bacteria.

Question 3

Slime capsule

Answer 3

This layer is outside the cell wall. It protects a bacterium from drying out and from poisonous substances. It also helps the bacteria stick to smooth surfaces.

Question 4

Plasmid

Answer 4

A circular piece of DNA that is used to store extra genes. These genes are normally not needed for the bacterium’s day to day survival, but may help in times of stress. For example. This is where antibiotic resistance genes are normally found.

Question 5

How does bacteria divide

Answer 5

Binary fission