Capsules are particularly important for
A) making bacteria more vulnerable to host defense mechanisms.
B) making bacteria less pathogenic.
C) protecting bacteria from host defense mechanisms.
D) allowing bacteria to become more phagocytic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Capsules are layers of polysaccharides or other substances that surround the cell wall of some bacteria. They are important for protecting bacteria from host defense mechanisms such as phagocytosis and complement activation. Capsules act as a physical barrier that prevents the host's immune cells from recognizing and engulfing the bacteria. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as capsules protect bacteria from host defense mechanisms.

Capsules Are Particularly Important for