Questions: Which of the following describe the function of pili that are often called fimbriae? Motility Prevents cell from bursting Protection Attachment to a surface

The answer is the fourth one: Attachment to a surface.

Explanation for each option:

1. Motility: This is incorrect. Pili (or fimbriae) are not primarily involved in motility. Instead, structures like flagella are responsible for bacterial motility.
2. Prevents cell from bursting: This is incorrect. The cell wall and other structural components of the bacterial cell are responsible for preventing the cell from bursting, not pili.
3. Protection: This is incorrect. While pili may play a minor role in protection, their primary function is not protection. Other structures like the capsule or cell wall are more directly involved in protection.
4. Attachment to a surface: This is correct. Pili, often called fimbriae, are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help them adhere to surfaces, which is crucial for colonization and infection.

Summary: Pili, or fimbriae, primarily function to attach bacteria to surfaces, which is essential for their ability to colonize and cause infections.