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under light microscopy by using staining techniques.<br />
 
under light microscopy by using staining techniques.<br />
 
The main function of bacterial capsules is to provide protection from adverse environmental conditions, prolonging the period of survival in such conditions. The capsule also facilitates adherence to surfaces and interferes with host cells involved in phagocytosis.<br />
 
The main function of bacterial capsules is to provide protection from adverse environmental conditions, prolonging the period of survival in such conditions. The capsule also facilitates adherence to surfaces and interferes with host cells involved in phagocytosis.<br />
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==Cell Wall==
 
==Cell Wall==
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[[Image:478px-Bacteria cell wall svg- franciscosp2.png|thumb|right|100px|'''Structure of cell wall''' Franciscop2 2008, WikiMedia Commons]]
    
The cell wall lies between the cell membrane (inner) and the capsule (outer) and protects the bacteria from mechanical damage and osmotic lysis. Cell walls are non-selectively permeable and are only able to exclude large molecules. Species dependant differences in the structural and chemical composition of the cell wall creates variation in the pathogenicity of the cell and also influences the staining properties of the cell which is important for species identification. Peptidoglycan (a polymer unique to prokaryotic cells) provides the cell wall with rigidity.  <br />
 
The cell wall lies between the cell membrane (inner) and the capsule (outer) and protects the bacteria from mechanical damage and osmotic lysis. Cell walls are non-selectively permeable and are only able to exclude large molecules. Species dependant differences in the structural and chemical composition of the cell wall creates variation in the pathogenicity of the cell and also influences the staining properties of the cell which is important for species identification. Peptidoglycan (a polymer unique to prokaryotic cells) provides the cell wall with rigidity.  <br />
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