noun
- a hair-like structure on the surface of certain bacteria used for attachment or genetic exchange
Usage: biology; microbiology
Examples
- The bacteria use their pili to attach to host cells.
- Scientists observed the pilus extending from the bacterial surface.
- Conjugative pili facilitate the transfer of genetic material between bacteria.
- The research focused on how pili help bacteria adhere to surfaces.
- Electron microscopy revealed the fine structure of the bacterial pilus.
- Some antibiotics target the formation of pili in pathogenic bacteria.