Structures of Bacteria

• Plasmid – Small, circular, double stranded DNA molecule. They naturally

exist in some bacterial cells and can occur in eukaryotes.
• Capsule – A hydrated polysaccharide structure that covers the outer layer
of the cell wall.
• Flagella - Flagella are a coiled, thread-like structure, sharp bent, consisting
of a rotary motor at its base and are composed of the protein flagellin. A
shaft exists between a hook and a basal body passing through the protein
rings in the cell membrane.
• Fimbriae - They are hair-like appendages present on the bacterial cell wall
similar to flagella. They are involved in bacterial conjugation, attachment to
the surface and motility.
• Slime layer - Capsule or slime layer is used to describe glycocalyx which is a
thin, high molecular weight secretory substance present in many bacteria
external to cell wall.
• Endospore – It protects the cells genetic material with its tough outer layer.
• Pili - The pili are involved in conjugation. This is the transfer of genetic
material between cells, and pili have a hollow core for this purpose.
Structure of Viruses

• Capsid - All viruses have a capsid that surrounds and protects the
nucleic acid of a virus. Only certain viruses contain a lipid membrane
envelope.

• Envelope - Some viruses are able to surround themselves in a portion

of the cell membrane of their host. The virus can use either the outer
membrane of the host cell, or an internal membrane such as the
nuclear membrane or endoplasmic reticulum.

• Attachment Proteins - Viruses attach to proteins known as cellular

receptors or attachment factors on the surface of the host cell