Cell Envelope And Its Modification Flashcards
What are the three layers of the bacterial cell envelope?
Glycocalyx, cell wall, plasma membrane
The cell envelope acts as a single protective unit despite having distinct functions for each layer.
How are bacteria classified based on their cell envelopes?
Gram positive and Gram negative
This classification is based on their response to the Gram staining procedure.
What is the composition of the glycocalyx in bacteria?
Varies in composition and thickness
It can be a loose sheath called the slime layer or a thick and tough structure called the capsule.
What is the function of the bacterial cell wall?
Determines cell shape and provides structural support
It prevents the bacterium from bursting or collapsing.
What is a key characteristic of the plasma membrane in bacteria?
Selectively permeable
The plasma membrane interacts with the outside world and is similar to eukaryotic membranes.
What are mesosomes in bacterial cells?
Extensions of the plasma membrane into the cell
They form vesicles, tubules, and lamellae.
Fill in the blank: The outermost layer of the bacterial cell envelope is the _______.
Glycocalyx
True or False: All bacteria have a thick glycocalyx.
False
The glycocalyx can be either a loose sheath or a thick capsule.
What role does the cell wall play in bacteria?
Provides strong structural support
It prevents damage from osmotic pressure.
Which type of bacteria retains the Gram stain?
Gram positive
They typically have a thicker peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall.
Fill in the blank: The plasma membrane is similar in structure to that of _______.
Eukaryotes
What are the three layers of the bacterial cell envelope?
Glycocalyx, cell wall, plasma membrane
The cell envelope acts as a single protective unit despite having distinct functions for each layer.
How are bacteria classified based on their cell envelopes?
Gram positive and Gram negative
This classification is based on their response to the Gram staining procedure.
What is the composition of the glycocalyx in bacteria?
Varies in composition and thickness
It can be a loose sheath called the slime layer or a thick and tough structure called the capsule.
What is the function of the bacterial cell wall?
Determines cell shape and provides structural support
It prevents the bacterium from bursting or collapsing.
What is a key characteristic of the plasma membrane in bacteria?
Selectively permeable
The plasma membrane interacts with the outside world and is similar to eukaryotic membranes.
What are mesosomes in bacterial cells?
Extensions of the plasma membrane into the cell
They form vesicles, tubules, and lamellae.
Fill in the blank: The outermost layer of the bacterial cell envelope is the _______.
Glycocalyx
True or False: All bacteria have a thick glycocalyx.
False
The glycocalyx can be either a loose sheath or a thick capsule.
What role does the cell wall play in bacteria?
Provides strong structural support
It prevents damage from osmotic pressure.
Which type of bacteria retains the Gram stain?
Gram positive
They typically have a thicker peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall.
Fill in the blank: The plasma membrane is similar in structure to that of _______.
Eukaryotes
