What are the filaments called that help some bacteria stick to surfaces and exchange plasmids through conjugation?
1 Answer
Nov 15, 2017
Pili
Fimbriae(short pili)
Explanation:
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Pilli (Singular = Pilus):
Pili are hollow, non-helical, filamentous appendages and are smaller than flagella.These are made of special protein called pilin. These are used by bacteria to exchange their genetic materials in process of conjugation. -
Fimbriae(Singular = Fimbria):
These are shorter pili which function as a mean of attachment of bacteria to various surfaces e.g host. So, their basic function is adherence.
http://www.easybiologyclass.com/bacterial-cell-surface-structures-and-appendages-flagella-fimbriae-and-pili/