what part of the bacteria cell helps it stick to surfaces

The part of the bacterial cell that helps it stick to surfaces is mainly the pili and fimbriae, which are minute hair-like appendages present on the bacterial cell surface. These structures assist in attachment to surfaces and play a role in forming connections with other cells or surfaces. Additionally, bacterial flagella can also contribute to adhesion by physically wedging into surface crevices, helping bacteria to stay attached. Adhesins, which are protein complexes often located on pili or fimbriae, mediate specific binding to surfaces or host cells, enhancing adhesion capacity.