MDRAO Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Exam Prep Resource

Fimbriae are hair-like structures found on the surface of many bacteria that play a crucial role in attachment. Their primary function is to enable bacteria to adhere to various surfaces, including host tissues, other bacteria, and abiotic surfaces. This adhesion is an essential factor in the establishment of infections, biofilm formation, and overall bacterial colonization.

The structure of fimbriae allows them to interact with specific receptors on the host cells and surfaces, facilitating a strong attachment that is often necessary for the bacteria to resist being washed away by bodily fluids or other forces. This ability to adhere is particularly important in pathogenic bacteria as it aids in invading tissues and evading the host immune response.

Other factors in the provided answer choices, such as movement, cell division, and nutrient breakdown, are not primary functions of fimbriae. Instead, these processes typically involve other structures or systems within the bacteria. For example, flagella are involved in movement, while cellular division is coordinated through the cell cycle mechanisms. Nutrient breakdown occurs through metabolic processes aided by enzymes but does not relate to fimbrial function.