PILI

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PILI

• Microbiology
• By Liz, Trey, and Dustie

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Pili Introduction

• Numerous
• Short
• Thin
• Proteinaceous fibers
• Found on most gram-negative and some
  gram-positive bacteria
• Also known as fimbriae

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Adhesins

• Specific adhesive molecules which function pili
  to attach cells to surfaces to form biofilms or
  microcolonies on the human cell and tissue
  surfaces
• Have sensors to find appropriate cells

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Conjugation

• Pili that are longer and less numerous than
  attachment pili
• Facilitate the transfer of genetic material from
  donor to recipient through a process called
  conjugation

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Pictures