COMMON PILUS Meaning and
Definition
-
A common pilus, also known as a type IV pilus, is a fine, flexible, hair-like appendage that extends from the surface of certain bacteria. It is an essential virulence factor involved in bacterial motility, attachment, and the transfer of genetic material.
Common pili are composed of protein subunits called pilins, which assemble to form a cylindrical structure. They are typically longer and thicker than other types of pili found in bacteria. The pilus is anchored to the bacterial cell membrane and projects outward into the surrounding environment.
One of the primary functions of common pili is to facilitate bacterial movement and attachment. By extending and retracting the pilus, bacteria can move across surfaces and attach to host cells or other bacterial cells. The flexible nature of the pilus allows it to act as a grappling hook, helping bacteria adhere to surfaces and initiate colonization.
Furthermore, common pili play a crucial role in the horizontal transfer of genetic material between bacteria. They can facilitate the exchange of plasmids, which are small, circular pieces of DNA containing genes for antibiotic resistance or other advantageous traits. Through a process called conjugation, pili can establish a bridge-like connection between bacteria, enabling the transfer of these genetic elements.
Overall, the common pilus is a versatile appendage that contributes to the survival and fitness of bacteria. It provides motility, attachment capabilities, and serves as a key mechanism for the spread of genetic material in bacterial populations.
Common Misspellings for COMMON PILUS
- xommon pilus
- vommon pilus
- fommon pilus
- dommon pilus
- cimmon pilus
- ckmmon pilus
- clmmon pilus
- cpmmon pilus
- c0mmon pilus
- c9mmon pilus
- conmon pilus
- cokmon pilus
- cojmon pilus
- comnon pilus
- comkon pilus
- comjon pilus
- commin pilus
- commkn pilus
- commln pilus
- commpn pilus
Etymology of COMMON PILUS
The word "pilus" is a Latin term meaning "hair" or "tuft of hair". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "pel" or "pil", which also means "hair". In the context of biology, "pilus" refers to a hair-like appendage found on the surface of certain bacteria.
The addition of "common" to "pilus" in the term "Common Pilus" suggests that it refers to a generally occurring or widespread type of pilus, as opposed to a specific or unique one. This term is commonly used in the field of microbiology to describe the hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that are involved in various functions such as adhesion, genetic exchange, or motility.
Similar spelling words for COMMON PILUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
