Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

A microorganism that has a slime-like outer covering is called a:

1. Biofilm

2. Capsule

3. Endospore

4. Flagella

The correct answer is: Capsule

The correct answer is based on the definition of a capsule in microbiology. A capsule is a polysaccharide layer that forms a protective barrier around the cell wall of certain microorganisms. This outer covering provides several advantages, such as protection from host immune responses, increased resistance to desiccation, and enhanced adhesion to surfaces. The capsule is critical in establishing infections because it can help the bacterium evade phagocytosis by immune cells. In contrast, biofilms refer to communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix, which is different from a single organism's capsule. Endospores are dormant structures formed by some bacteria to withstand harsh environments and do not relate to a slime-like outer covering. Flagella, on the other hand, are tail-like structures that enable locomotion in certain microorganisms but do not serve as a protective covering. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of a capsule helps clarify why it is the appropriate choice in this context.