Pili

Pili are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help them adhere to surfaces and each other. They are composed of protein subunits and can serve various functions, including attachment, DNA transfer between bacteria (conjugation), and movement. Pili play a key role in bacterial colonization and infection, as they enable bacteria to latch onto host tissues or surfaces, facilitating survival and spreading. Their presence and specific types are important in understanding bacterial behavior and can be targets for medical interventions.