Question

Why is a capsule advantageous to a bacterium?

• A. It protects the bacterium from desiccation.
• B. It provides means of locomotion
• C. It allows bacteria to "hide" from host's immune system
• D. It allows the bacterium to attach to surface

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

• Bacterial capsule usually consists of a polysaccharide layer that lies outside the cell envelope. The capsule is found in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterium.
• The capsule is considered as virulence factor because it enhances the ability of bacteria to cause disease. It protects the bacterial cell from engulfment by macrophages.
• Capsules also contain water which protects the bacterium from desiccation.

So, the correct answer is 'It protects the bacterium from desiccation'.