Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a function of pili?
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Pili
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Scientists believe some bacteria are able to 'glide' through their environment by…
A
Attaching their pilus to a surface and pulling the cell towards the destination.
B
Moving their flagella back and forth allowing them to swim towards the destination.
C
Using motor proteins on the cell's surface to spin the cell along an axis towards the destination.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the different mechanisms bacteria use for movement: pili, flagella, and motor proteins.
Pili are hair-like structures that can attach to surfaces and pull the cell forward, but this is not the mechanism described in the problem.
Flagella are tail-like structures that rotate to propel the bacterium through liquid environments, but this is not the mechanism described in the problem.
Motor proteins on the cell's surface can create a spinning motion, allowing the bacterium to glide along a surface, which matches the description in the problem.
Conclude that the correct mechanism described in the problem is the use of motor proteins to spin the cell along an axis towards the destination.
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