Answer:
Colonize host cells
Explanation:
Bacteria commonly have proteinaceous appendages on their surfaces, called pili or fimbriae, that are used to attach surfaces or host cells, accumulate bacterias (biofilm), persist and start an infection.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a gram-negative bacteria know as one the etiological agents of periodontal infections. In P. gingivalis is well know that fimbriae (which ones are the long and thin structures sounding the bacteria shown in the image) are a critical factor to attach to cells host and develop periodontitis. If P. gingivalis has a mutation and lack of this fimbriae, it couldn’t attach and colonize the host cells and can´t start an infection.
