Question

The structures that help some bacteria to attach to rocks or host tissues are

• A. Holdfast
• B. Rhizoids
• C. Fimbriae
• D. Mesosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Fimbriae

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. At the surface of bacterial cells are long filamentous polymeric protein structures called fimbriae.
2. They make it possible for the bacteria to attach to particular receptor structures and colonize particular surfaces.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

A holdfast is a root-like structure that secures aquatic sessile creatures to the substrate, including sponges, benthic cnidarians, stalked crinoids, and other sessile algae.

Option B:

1. Rhizoid, a short, thin filament that binds the growing (vegetative) body of the organism to a substrate and has the ability to absorb nutrients, is found in fungus, certain plants, and sponges.
2. The rhizoid, which resembles a root in fungi, is located in the thallus.

Option D:

1. Mesosomes aid in expanding bacterial cells' surface area.
2. It is a pouch-shaped or folded area of the cell membrane.

Final answer:
The structures that help some bacteria to attach to rocks and /or host tissues are fimbriae.