Questions: What is the role of the bacterial flagella?
Used for exchange of DNA between two cells
Enables movement
Allows it to attach to substrates
Defends the cell
Transcript text: What is the role of the bacterial flagella?
Used for exchange of DNA between two cells
Enables movement
Allows it to attach to substrates
Defends the cell
Solution
The answer is the second one: Enables movement.
Explanation for each option:
Used for exchange of DNA between two cells: This is incorrect. The exchange of DNA between bacterial cells is typically facilitated by structures like pili during a process called conjugation, not by flagella.
Enables movement: This is correct. The primary role of bacterial flagella is to enable movement. Flagella are whip-like structures that rotate to propel the bacterium through its environment, allowing it to move toward favorable conditions or away from harmful ones.
Allows it to attach to substrates: This is incorrect. Attachment to substrates is usually facilitated by structures like pili or fimbriae, not flagella.
Defends the cell: This is incorrect. Flagella are not involved in defense mechanisms. Bacterial defense mechanisms can include structures like the cell wall or the production of toxins, but not flagella.
In summary, the bacterial flagella are primarily responsible for enabling movement.