Question

Glycocalyx (mucilage sheath) of a bacterial cell may occur in the form of a loose sheath called ________ or it may be thick and tough called_________
A. Capsule, slime layer
B. Slime layer, capsule
C. Mesosome, capsule
D. Mesosome, slime layer

Answer 1

Hint: The bacterial cells are the prokaryotes which have characteristic features that make them different from the other microbes. They have various organelles that are absent in the other microorganisms. They help them in adherence, desiccation etc.

Complete answer:
What is glycocalyx? It has the cell joining/adhesion molecules. It is a glycoprotein and glycolipid covering surrounding membranes of bacteria and epithelial cells. In animal cells, it is called the glycocalyx. It helps to adhere to the adjoining cells. It also has a role in the regulation of endothelial vascular tissue.
Option A: Capsule, slime layer: Capsule is the hard thick sheath protecting the cell from desiccation and phagocytes. The slime layer is the loose sheath making the glycocalyx sticky but is not essential for the cell to survive. So this is incorrect.
Option B: Slime layer, capsule: The slime layer is the loose sheath making the glycocalyx sticky but is not essential for the cell to survive. The capsule is the hard thick sheath protecting the cell from desiccation and phagocytes. This is the correct answer.
Option C: Mesosome, capsule: Mososomes increase the bacterial surface for respiration. They play a vital role in the cellular processes and cell wall division.
Option D: Mesosome, slime layer: Mososomes increase the bacterial surface for respiration. They play a vital role in the cellular processes and cell wall division.

So the answer is option B: Slime layer, capsule.

Note: Glycocalyx is a negatively charged thin membranous layer made of glycoproteins and plasma protein. It is like a sugar coat having 2 types-slime layers and a capsule. It is organized at the walls of the cell. This acts as a barrier between the environment and the cell.