Question

What is the difference between the gelatinous sheath and mucilaginous sheath in cyanobacteria?

Answer 1

Gelatinous sheath:

It is a voluminous and fluffy covering found surrounding the cells of cyanobacteria.

Mucilaginous sheath:

1. It is also called the slime layer, it comprises the cellulose fibers aligned reticulately within the matrix.
2. In cyanobacteria, the cell wall is present in between the plasmalemma and mucilaginous sheath.

Gelatinous sheath	Mucilaginous sheath
1. The sheath comprises collagen in the form of protein-type cellulose fibrils.	1. The sheath comprises glycoprotein, which is used for many activities.
2. These are gas vesicles hollow protein.	2. It prevails in the form of glue.
3. It regulates the locomotion of cells and retains colonies.	3. It protects and covers the cells from destruction.