Question

Give two other names for bacteria capsule and list any four important function​

Answer 1

Answer:

Capsule (also known as K antigen) is a major virulence factor of bacteria, e.g. all of the principal pathogens which cause pneumonia and meningitis, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae,  Escherichia coli, and group B streptococci have polysaccharide capsules on their surface. Nonencapsulated mutants of these organisms are avirulent.


It has several functions: promote bacterial adhesion to surfaces or interaction with other organisms; act as a permeability barrier, as a defense mechanism against phagocytosis and/or as a nutrient reserve. Among pathogens, capsule formation often correlates with pathogenicity.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

Macro-capsule: thickness of 0.2µm or more, visible under light microscope

Microcapsule: thickness less than 0.2µm, visible under Electron microscope

Explanation:

It has several functions: promote bacterial adhesion to surface or interaction with other organisms; act as a permeability barrier, as a defense mechanism against Phagocytosis and/or as a nutrient reserve. Among pathogens, capsule formation often correlates with pathogenicity

correct me if I'm wrong