Definition: Cell-surface components or appendages of bacteria that facilitate adhesion (BACTERIAL ADHESION) to other cells or to inanimate surfaces. Most fimbriae (FIMBRIAE, BACTERIAL) of gram-negative bacteria function as adhesins, but in many cases it is a minor subunit protein at the tip of the fimbriae that is the actual adhesin. In gram-positive bacteria, a protein or polysaccharide surface layer serves as the specific adhesin. What is sometimes called polymeric adhesin (BIOFILMS) is distinct from protein adhesin.
coordinate IM with specific bacterium (IM) but note that ADHESINS, ESCHERICHIA COLI is available; do not confuse with BACTERIAL ADHESION; do not confuse with BIOFILMS; DF: ADHESINS BACT;
See AlsoBacterial Adhesion; Biofilms ExamplesAdhesins, Escherichia coli
