What is a biofilm?

What is a biofilm?

• A. A collection of bacteria isolated from the environment
• B. A single bacterial cell living independently
• C. A complex community of bacteria adhering to surfaces
• D. A type of bacterial reproduction

Answer: (C)

A biofilm is defined as a complex community of bacteria adhering to surfaces. This community formation is characterized by a coordinated lifestyle of bacterial cells that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. The development of a biofilm allows bacteria to establish a more stable environment where they can communicate, share resources, and protect themselves from external threats like antibiotics and host immune responses. Biofilms can form on a variety of surfaces, including medical devices, natural aquatic systems, and even teeth, where they can lead to plaque formation. This complex architecture enables nutrient flow and cellular communication, enhancing the survival and persistence of the bacterial community. The collaborative nature of biofilms can lead to increased resistance to treatments that would normally affect free-floating bacteria. In contrast, the other options describe distinct and unrelated concepts. A collection of bacteria isolated from the environment does not capture the structural and communal aspects of a biofilm, while a single bacterial cell living independently does not represent the cooperative and organized nature of biofilm communities. Lastly, the concept of bacterial reproduction pertains to how bacteria multiply, which is not relevant when defining biofilms.

A biofilm is defined as a complex community of bacteria adhering to surfaces. This community formation is characterized by a coordinated lifestyle of bacterial cells that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. The development of a biofilm allows bacteria to establish a more stable environment where they can communicate, share resources, and protect themselves from external threats like antibiotics and host immune responses.

Biofilms can form on a variety of surfaces, including medical devices, natural aquatic systems, and even teeth, where they can lead to plaque formation. This complex architecture enables nutrient flow and cellular communication, enhancing the survival and persistence of the bacterial community. The collaborative nature of biofilms can lead to increased resistance to treatments that would normally affect free-floating bacteria.

In contrast, the other options describe distinct and unrelated concepts. A collection of bacteria isolated from the environment does not capture the structural and communal aspects of a biofilm, while a single bacterial cell living independently does not represent the cooperative and organized nature of biofilm communities. Lastly, the concept of bacterial reproduction pertains to how bacteria multiply, which is not relevant when defining biofilms.