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by Anonymous on October 18th, 2007

Anonymous

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What type of culture medium would increase the size of a bacterial capsule?

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Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by Rob55 on September 23rd, 2010

    Rob55

    The most exterior components of bacterial cells are the #CAPSULE and SLIME layers. These layers are usually composed of sugar polymers that are excreted by the cell under certain conditions. The term capsule usually applies to a DEFINED layer with a distinct outer edge, whereas a slime layer describes an ILL DEFINED concentration of polymeric material which just slowly gets less and less the further away from the cell. Although capsule production is a genetic characteristic, its production is STRONGLY influenced by the nutrient environment.

    For example, in a nutritionally poor medium a bacterium may produce little or no capsule/slime, but in the presence of a high concentration of sugar the capsule may be HUMONGOUS. The capsule has several roles.

    It protects the cell from DRYING.
    It serves as an extra source of NUTRITION. in times of need.
    It helps the cells STICK or attach to things because of its sticky (adhesive) nature and as such is part of biofilms.
    By sticking the cells to solid surfaces capsules/slime layers prevent them from washing away and provide a protective environment for the cells.
    It PROTECTS the cell from destruction by white blood cells.
    It may be TOXIC or inhibitory to a host's defense system and so aid in the disease process.

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  • by Too cool for school on September 7th, 2008

    Too cool for school

    I've never heard of a medium that would actually increase the capsule. There are a few stains that can make the capsule stand out (especially when doing brightfield microscopy).

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