microbiology chapter 13 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 13 test bank related questions and content

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial capsules?

  • A. Enhance bacterial motility
  • B. Enable bacterial adherence to surfaces
  • C. Prevent bacterial DNA replication
  • D. Protect bacteria from desiccation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enable bacterial adherence to surfaces. Bacterial capsules are a protective layer outside the cell wall that helps bacteria adhere to surfaces and evade host immune responses. This allows bacteria to colonize and infect host tissues.

A: Enhancing bacterial motility is typically associated with flagella, not capsules.
C: Bacterial DNA replication is not directly affected by capsules.
D: Bacterial capsules do play a role in protecting bacteria from desiccation by providing a barrier against drying out. However, the primary function is enabling adherence to surfaces.