has part capable of polysaccharide glycocalyx capsule A protective structure surrounding some fungi and bacteria, attached externally to the cell wall and composed primarily of polysaccharides. Capsules are highly organized structures that adhere strongly to cells and cannot be easily removed. Capsules play important roles in pathogenicity, preventing phagocytosis by other cells, adherance, and resistance to dessication. [database_cross_reference: GOC:mlg] Add an axiom to the effect that this is the material basis for protective resistance? -SB http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/go.owl negative regulation of phagocytosis