Prokaryotic Cell Structure: Pili

Learning Objectives for "Prokaryotic Cell Structure: Pili"

After completing this section you should be able to perform the following objectives.

1. State the chemical composition, structure, and function of the short adhesion pili of bacteria.

2. State the function of a bacterial conjugation (sex) pilus.

2. Define bacterial conjugation.

3. State how the ability to change the shape of the adhesive tip of its pili could be an advantage to a bacterium.

Highlighted Bacterium

1. Read the description of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and match the bacterium with the description of the organism and the infection it causes.