Question

Glycocalyx:

1) Definition

2) Structure

3) Function

4) Real life example of how it is used

Answer 1

1) Glycocalyx is the carbohydrate rich out thick coating of many eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, mainly bacteria. Glycocalyx can act as factor for the recognition of cell thus it enables the body to differentiate between self and foreign.

2) It's structure includes strands of protein and sugar bound together. This structure results into a thick sticky layer that enables the cell to withstand a lot of physical stress.

3) On eukaryotic cells the glycocalyx coating is used for the recognition of the cell. However on bacterial cells, it provides a protective coat to the bacteria thereby making it invisible to the host immune factors and it also helps in adhesion to solid surface.

4)The slime often seen on the bath tub that is not easy to get rid off is an example of bacteria with glycocalyx coating. It needs a lot of manpower to get rid of it and this is because of the presence of glycocalyx coating on bacteria.