microbiology an introduction test bank Related

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The cell surface of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria can be covered in villi and cilia. What function do these structures have?

  • A. RNA exchange between cells
  • B. Inhibition of complement activity
  • C. Bacterial adhesion to the surface of the host cells, conjugation
  • D. Resistance to antibody opsonization
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bacterial adhesion to the surface of the host cells, conjugation. Villi and cilia on the cell surface of pathogenic bacteria help in bacterial adhesion to host cells, facilitating the process of infection. Conjugation is the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells, which can be aided by these structures. The other choices are incorrect because RNA exchange between cells (A) is typically facilitated by different structures like pili, inhibition of complement activity (B) is not related to the function of villi and cilia, and resistance to antibody opsonization (D) is usually achieved through other mechanisms such as capsule formation.