Fimbriae

Fimbriae are tiny hair-like structures on the surface of some bacteria. They act like microscopic hooks, allowing bacteria to attach firmly to surfaces, tissues, or other bacteria. This attachment helps bacteria colonize environments, form communities called biofilms, and sometimes facilitate infection. Fimbriae are important for the bacteria’s ability to infect hosts and resist removal. They are composed of protein and can vary in number and shape depending on the bacterial species. Understanding fimbriae helps in studying how bacteria cause diseases and develop strategies to prevent infections.