adaptations to faciliate entry into host cell

Question 1

What are pili and fimbriae, and what is their role in bacterial adhesion?

Answer 1

Pili and fimbriae are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria. They aid in adhesion to host tissues and help bacteria resist the washing actions of bodily secretions such as urine, mucus, and cilia

Question 2

How do bacteria pass through the cell membrane after attaching to host tissues?

Answer 2

• secrete toxins that break down connective tissue between cells

Question 3

What is phagocytosis, and how do bacteria utilise it for their attachment and invasion?

Answer 3

• Phagocytosis is the process where phagocytes engulf foreign particles such as pathogens
• Some bacteria can secrete proteins that interact with host cell membranes, causing the host cell membrane to engulf the bacteria. This facilitates their attachment and invasion.
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Question 4

What is the significance of the outer capsule layer in certain bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Answer 4

• outer capsule layer allows them to survive and replicate within macrophages after phagocytosis.
• This ability enhances their ability to evade the immune system and establish infection.

Question 5

What is biofilm production, and how does it contribute to bacterial resistance?

Answer 5

• Biofilm is a layer of bacteria or other microbes that grows on and sticks to the surface of a structure.
• Bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph), can produce biofilm that is resistant to antibiotics- ALLOWing it to persist and cause chronic illnesses