Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 7 - Inside the Cell
All textbooksFreeman 8th EditionCh. 7 - Inside the CellProblem 5
Chapter 7, Problem 5

Which of the following cell structures would you expect to be most important in the growth of bacteria on the surface of your teeth? a. cell wall b. fimbriae c. flagella d. cilia

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the function of each structure: The cell wall provides structural support and protection. Fimbriae are hair-like structures that allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces. Flagella are tail-like structures used for movement. Cilia are hair-like structures that help in movement and feeding, primarily found in eukaryotic cells.
Understand the environment: The surface of teeth is a solid surface where bacteria need to attach and form colonies, known as biofilms, to thrive.
Analyze the relevance of each structure to the environment: Since the surface of the teeth is stationary and requires adhesion for bacterial growth, structures that aid in movement like flagella and cilia are less relevant.
Determine the most crucial structure for this specific environment: Fimbriae are essential for bacteria to adhere to the surfaces like teeth, making them critical for the initial establishment of bacterial colonies.
Conclude the most important structure: Based on the need for adhesion on a solid surface, fimbriae (option b) are the most important structures for the growth of bacteria on the surface of teeth.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
2m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Wall

The cell wall is a rigid outer layer that provides structural support and protection to bacterial cells. It is crucial for maintaining the shape of the bacteria and preventing osmotic lysis. In the context of bacteria on teeth, the cell wall helps them adhere to surfaces and resist mechanical forces.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:44
Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls

Fimbriae

Fimbriae are short, hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that facilitate adhesion to surfaces, including host tissues. They play a significant role in the colonization of bacteria, allowing them to form biofilms, which are essential for growth on surfaces like teeth.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:52
Fimbriae

Flagella

Flagella are long, whip-like appendages that enable bacterial motility. While they are important for movement towards nutrients or away from harmful substances, their role in the specific context of adhering to teeth is less significant compared to structures like fimbriae.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:15
Cilia & Flagella
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following results provided evidence of a discrete nuclear localization signal somewhere on the nucleoplasmin protein? a. The nucleoplasmin protein was small and easily slipped through the nuclear pore complex. b. After cleavage of the nucleoplasmin protein, only the tail segments appeared in the nucleus. c. Removing the tail from the nucleoplasmin protein allowed the core segment to enter the nucleus. d. The SRP bound only to the tail of the nucleoplasmin protein, not the core segment.

929
views
Textbook Question

Molecular zip codes direct molecules to particular destinations in the cell. How are these signals read? a. They bind to receptor proteins. b. They enter transport vesicles. c. They bind to motor proteins. d. They are glycosylated by enzymes.

1038
views
Textbook Question

How does the hydrolysis of ATP result in the movement of a motor protein along a cytoskeletal filament?

822
views
Textbook Question

Cells that line your intestines are known to possess a large number of membrane proteins that transport small molecules and ions across the plasma membrane. Which of the following cell structures would you expect to be required for this characteristic of the cells? a. the endoplasmic reticulum b. peroxisomes c. lysosomes d. the cell wall

949
views
Textbook Question

Consider the endosymbiosis theory for the origin of the mitochondrion. How did each endosymbiotic partner benefit from the relationship?

864
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

Most of the proteins that enter the nucleus possess a nuclear localization signal (NLS), even if they are small enough to pass through the nuclear pore complex unhindered. Why would a small protein have an NLS, when it naturally diffuses across the nuclear pore complex without one?

1170
views