Answer: Other benefits that a capsules can give to bacteria includes:
--> slowing the penetration of antibiotics or chemicals,
--> it helps bacteria to adhere to surfaces
--> it prevents them from drying out as it contains water components.
Explanation:
Most microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, and parasites, are free living that benefits both plants and animals. The microorganisms that have the ability to cause disease are called pathogens. Infection occurs when pathogens are able to establish itself in a person through the use of its virulent factors. A typical example of virulent factors include the CAPSULES.
Capsules are made up of polysaccharides which lines the outer layer of a bacteria cell envelope. Example of such bacteria includes:
--> Streptococcus pneumoniae,
--> Klebsiella pneumoniae,
--> Haemophilus influnzae, and
--> Neisseria meningitis
These bacteria secrete a capsule around their cell wall which helps to prevent opsonization and phagocytosis by phagocytes of immune system of the host. This helps them to survive and cause disease. Other benefits that a capsules can give to bacteria includes:
--> slowing the penetration of antibiotics or chemicals,
--> it helps bacteria to adhere to surfaces
--> it prevents them from drying out as it contains water components.
