Free Ribosome
All Cells (80S eukaryotic; 70S prokaryotic)
A floating particle of RNA and protein that reads genetic messages and assembles the cell's proteins.
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Rp 2.400.000
Rp 3.600.000
Certain Prokaryotic Cells
Fimbriae
Hold fast.
Numerous short hairs that let a bacterium grip where fluid would wash it away.
Rp 1.800.000
A note
The campaign imagery is a fictional luxury concept. Toggle to Scientific X-Ray for the labelled biological illustration.
Structure
Numerous short, thin, hair-like protein appendages extending from the surface of certain bacterial cells. Fimbriae are generally composed of repeating protein subunits and are commonly shorter and more abundant than the structures conventionally described as pili.
Function
Facilitate attachment of bacterial cells to surfaces, host tissues and other cells. They can also contribute to bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation by maintaining contact between the bacterium and its surrounding environment.
Where Found
Certain bacterial species, particularly many Gram-negative bacteria.
Why It Matters
Fimbriae allow bacterial cells to adhere to surfaces rather than being easily displaced by surrounding fluids. This is important for establishing bacterial populations and forming biofilms. In pathogenic bacteria, attachment to host tissues can be an important early stage of infection.
Structure → Function
Many projecting fibres have multiple attachment sites; adhesive proteins bind to surfaces or receptors.
Pairings
Rp 1.900.000
Microtubule
Plant & Animal Cells
A hollow tube of tubulin — a structural track for transport and the scaffold of movement.
Centriole
Animal Cells (absent in most higher plants)
A precise cylinder of microtubule triplets — the organiser of the cell's internal geometry.