Microbial Cell Structure Flashcards
1
Q
What is the role of the capsid?
A
allows protection against adverse conditions including desiccation and the immune system
2
Q
What is the glycocalyx?
A
loose meshwork of fibrils extending outward from the cell, plays a major role in bacterial adherence to surfaces
3
Q
What turns pink in a gram stain reaction?
A
gram negative bacteria
4
Q
What turns purple?
A
gram positive bacteria
5
Q
What is the difference between gram positive and negative?
A
Gram postive have a thick layer of peptidoglycan
6
Q
Describe the bacterial chromosome
A
a single long continuous circular double stranded DNA molecule
7
Q
What is the other way that bacteria store their DNA
A
plasmids
8
Q
What is special about plasmids?
A
they can be lost or gained without causing damage to the bacterial cell
