Capsules and Slime layers

[dizzysally]

If firmly attached to a cell wall of G+ bacteria leaving a structured tight matrix excluding particles it is a capsule.

If loosely attached to a cell wall and matrix includes small particles it is referred to as a slime layer.

I was just wondering seen as a capsule is attached to G+ cell walls does that mean that slime layers attach to G- cell walls?

Ive an exam on Wednesday and im just trying to get my head around the surface structure of bacteria.. If anyone could answer my question it would be greatly appriciated
Thanks

[JorgeLobo]

What is the mechanical distinction/test of "loosely attached"?

[dizzysally]

What is the mechanical distinction/test of "loosely attached"?

I dont understand?

[JorgeLobo]

The term" loosely attached" is subjective. There has to be some objective test that tells you that slime is loosely attached vs. the reportedly more tenacious capsule. Ask your teacher.
Suggest the distinction is not useful. What is capsule for an isolated cells is a slime layer for a population (millions of cells) on a surface. That appears to be what is being said - one doesn't see particles in a capsule on any isolated cell and one always sees particles in a complex slime layer-biofilm on a surface populated with many cells and thatbiofilm layer sloughs off material.. Maybe you could ask for a direct comparison on individual cell level.