Are fimbrae and pili primarily used for attachment? True or False?

Fimbrae and pili are indeed primarily used for attachment. These hair-like structures extend from the surface of bacteria and play a crucial role in anchoring the microbial cells to surfaces, including host tissues and abiotic surfaces. This attachment is vital for several reasons, such as colonization, biofilm formation, and enhancing the bacterium's ability to persist in various environments.

Fimbrae are typically short and numerous, providing bacteria with the ability to adhere tightly to surfaces, which is important for pathogens seeking to establish infections. Pili, which can be longer and fewer in number, can also serve attachment functions but are more versatile and can facilitate other roles such as conjugation (the transfer of genetic material between bacteria) and twitching motility.

Thus, the statement that fimbrae and pili are primarily used for attachment is accurate, making the answer true.