In: Biology
Suppose a bacterium had the opportunity to form a glycocalyx, a flagellum, a pilus, or a spore. Which do you think it might choose? Why?
Explain in 1-2 paragraphs
A flagellum helps the bacterial cell to move from one location to another. A pilus helps for attachment of bacterial cells to any surface and sometimes in conjugation with other bacterial cells (sex pilus). Spores are extremely resistant structure formed by the bacteria when they encounter unfavourable conditions and spores can survive for long periods and withstand sterilization techniques.
Glycocalyx is a type of capsule found on the surface of bacteria and composed of a thin layer of tangled polysaccharide fibres, rarely amino sugars or peptides. Glycocalyx provides the bacteria with many important features.
The bacteria might choose glycocalyx than the other cell structures as glycocalyx provides immense benefits to the bacteria.