What is the function of a capsule in bacteria?

The function of a capsule in bacteria is primarily to provide protection from environmental factors. The capsule is a thick, gelatinous layer that surrounds the bacterial cell wall, and it serves several crucial roles. One of its key functions is to enhance the bacterium's ability to evade the immune system of the host. Capsules can inhibit phagocytosis by immune cells, allowing bacteria to survive longer in hostile environments. Additionally, they help protect against desiccation, or drying out, and can store nutrients that may be necessary for the bacterial cell's survival.

The presence of a capsule can also contribute to the pathogenicity of bacteria, making them more virulent by enabling adherence to host tissues. Overall, the capsule is a significant feature that enhances bacterial survival and adaptability in various environments.

Other options relate to different cellular functions. While protein synthesis is a vital process for all living cells, it occurs in the ribosomes and is not a function associated with the capsule. Dormancy refers to a state where bacteria may become inactive or non-reproductive, which is unrelated to the capsule's protective role. Intracellular circulation pertains to the movement of substances within the cell and is facilitated by the cytoskeleton and membrane-bound organelles, not by the capsule. Thus