Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions

Pili

Microbiology

7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions

Pili

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Multiple Choice

Which of these are true about pili?

Pili are short filaments of pilin on the surface of bacterial cells that allow neighboring cells to adhere to one another.

Pili allow cells to 'crawl' across a surface.

Pili are short filaments on the surface of archaea cells that allow neighboring cells to adhere to one another.

Pili allow cells to share genetic information through a process called DNA transfer or conjugation.

A and B

B and C

A and C

B and D

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of pili: Pili are hair-like structures on the surface of bacterial cells, primarily composed of the protein pilin. They play a role in adhesion and genetic exchange.

Evaluate the statement about pili allowing neighboring cells to adhere: This is true for bacterial cells, as pili facilitate attachment to surfaces and other cells, aiding in colonization and biofilm formation.

Consider the statement about pili allowing cells to 'crawl': Pili can indeed facilitate movement across surfaces, a process known as twitching motility, which involves extension and retraction of pili.

Assess the statement about pili on archaea: Pili are typically associated with bacteria, not archaea, so this statement is false.

Examine the statement about DNA transfer or conjugation: Pili are involved in conjugation, where they form a bridge between bacterial cells to transfer genetic material, making this statement true.