Question

The capsule is most advantageous to a bacterium because it

• A. Allows bacterium to hide from host immune system
• B. Allows bacterium to attach to surfaces
• C. Protects it from desiccation
• D. Provides means of locomotion

Answer 1

The correct option is A Allows bacterium to hide from host immune system

The capsule is the protective covering of the bacterial cell made up of polymers of simple sugars (polysaccharides). Most capsules are hydrophilic and may help the bacterium avoid desiccation. It protects a bacterial cell from ingestion and destruction by white blood cells (phagocytosis) and helps it to hide from host immune system.

Hence the correct option is A.