Question

microbes rely on specialized structures found only in prokaryotes to perform specific tasks or to give them an advantage over competing microbes. for each of the following mutations, predict the effect the mutation would have on the affected microbes.
the affected microbes would no longer be able to adhere to surfaces.
the affected microbes would be unable to protect themselves efficiently.
the affected microbes would be unable to move efficiently through liquid.

Explanation:

• Loss of capsule: The capsule is a protective structure in prokaryotes. It helps in preventing the microbe from being phagocytosed (engulfed and destroyed) by host cells (in the case of pathogens) or from desiccation (drying out). So, without the capsule, the affected microbes would be unable to protect themselves efficiently.
• Loss of pili: Pili (fimbriae) are hair - like structures that help bacteria adhere to surfaces (e.g., host tissues in the case of pathogenic bacteria). So, loss of pili would mean the affected microbes would no longer be able to adhere to surfaces.
• Loss of flagella: Flagella are the locomotive structures in prokaryotes. They enable bacteria to move (e.g., through liquid environments like the human body fluids in the case of pathogens or in aquatic environments). So, loss of flagella would make the affected microbes unable to move efficiently through liquid.

Answer:

• Loss of capsule: The affected microbes would be unable to protect themselves efficiently.
• Loss of pili: The affected microbes would no longer be able to adhere to surfaces.
• Loss of flagella: The affected microbes would be unable to move efficiently through liquid.