Bacteria types, structure + function

List the three main shapes of bacteria

cocci, bacilli + spirilla

What is the capsule made from and what is its purpose?

protective layer made out of polysaccharide, it helps evade the hosts immune system

What is the cell wall made from and what is its purpose?

rigid outer layer made of peptidoglycan. maintains cell shape and prevents bursting under osmotic pressure

Purpose of the plasma membrane

selectively permeable lipid bilayer beneath the cell wall that regulates entry and exit

Purpose of the flagella

long whip like tail that rotate to propel the bacterium towards nutrients or away from danger

Purpose of pili and fimbriae

hair like protein filaments that allow bacteria to adhere to host cells and surfaces