What do you call the glycocalyx when it is like a loose sheath in the cell envelope of bacteria?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Slime layer.
When the glycocalyx of a bacterial cell acts like a loose sheath surrounding the cell envelope, we refer to this structure as the slime layer.
The slime layer consists of polysaccharides and proteins attached to the outer membrane of the cell, providing extra protection and contributing to the overall integrity of the cell envelope. This layer plays a crucial role in various processes such as attachment to surfaces, resistance against phagocytosis by immune cells, and biofilm formation in some bacteria.