Which Structure Protects Bacteria from Being Phagocytized

Question

Which structure protects bacteria from being phagocytized?
A)slime layer
B)fimbriae
C)capsule
D)cell membrane
E)cell wall

Accepted Answer

The capsule is a thick, viscous layer of polysaccharides that surrounds bacterial cells, providing an additional barrier against phagocytosis by immune cells. The slime layer is similar but less dense, and fimbriae are thin, hair-like projections that help bacteria adhere to surfaces. The cell membrane and cell wall are important structures for bacterial survival, but they do not protect against phagocytosis in the same way as the capsule.