[Kaykay09]

I'm just starting biology, and I have a homework assignment due. I have to give definitions for a bunch of different words, but one word I simply cannot find a def. to! What should I do? If you think you can help me with the definition please do, and if you think you can give me a website name that will help me, please do. I appreciate it! :confused:

[J_9]

Kay, what's that word?

[Kaykay09]

Capsule
.. I know that it's the wall surrounding the cell.. or at least I think it is

[J_9]

That was easy peasy... I just went to Google and typed in biology + capsule. This is what I found

(general) A small case, envelope, or covering.

(anatomy)
(1) A membranous sac or integument, especially surrounding partly or wholly a bodily structure or organ.
(2) Any of the two strata of white matter in the cerebrum.

(botany)
(1) The sporangium of ferns, mosses, algae and fungi.
(2) A type of dehiscent fruit made up of two or more carpels (e.g. poppy).

(microbiology) The mucopolysaccharide layer that lies outside the cell wall of bacteria.

(pharmacology) A small soluble container enclosing a dose of an oral medicine or vitamin.

(pathology) An encapsulated material, especially one that results from a cellular or immune response to a foreign body.


Supplement

In anatomy, a capsule refers to the membranous sheath that surrounds a bodily organ such as kidney, or the fibrous tissues that surrounds a joint.

In botany, a capsule is a dehiscent fruit which, at maturity, split apart (dehisce) to release the seeds within.

In microbiology, the capsule help protect bacteria from phagocytosis as well as from desiccation. It also helps them to adhere to surfaces and cells. Hence, it is considered a virulence factor. It is found most commonly among gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli.


Word origin: French, from Latin capsula, diminutive of capsa, box.
Related forms: capsular (adjective)

Found here
Capsule - definition from Biology-Online.org

[Kaykay09]

Oh okay... well thank you! That will help me out a lot!

[J_9]

You are very welcome!