MMG 301 Study Guide - Final Guide: Coccobacillus, Spirochaete, Spirillum
16 Jul 2019
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Document Summary
Spirochetes helical and flexible streptobacillus bacilli arranged in chains coccobacillus oval and similar to a coccus vibrio a curved or comma-shaped rod spirillum a thick, rigid spiral spirochete a thin, flexible spiral. Glycocalyx is the sticky, gelatinous polymer that is external to the cell wall; called the capsule if organized; if unorganized, called the slime layer. Medical significance: capsules often protect pathogenic bacteria from phagocytes by the cells of host. Bacteria like bacillus anthracis and streptococcus pneumoniae are encapsulated; its speculative that this capsule prevents it being destroyed by phagocytosis. Fimbriae allow attachment; help cells adhere to surfaces; help form biofilms. 1 or 2 per cell; longer than fimbriae; used to transfer dna from one cell to another. Flagella attached to a protein hook; anchored to the wall and membrane by the basal body; long propelling filaments (mobility); used for dna transfer.
