Concept explainers
Concept introduction:
Biofilms are the colonies formed by different species of bacteria. These colonies are initiated by one bacterium that attaches to the surface of vulnerable body parts, likea tooth or lung tissue. The other microbes subsequently attach to either the first bacterium or the inevitable sugar and protein secretions by it.
Biofilms are present in almost every natural environment, and it is an adaptation strategy of bacteria for the sustenance of their lives. The different species of bacteria cooperate and interact with each other while forming biofilms, and functioning in these colonies.
Biofilms are also involved inthe passing of genetic material from one microbe to its neighboring microbe. Therefore, they can cause infections and also develops resistance to antimicrobials.
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Microbiology: A Systems Approach
- In a biofilm, bacteria can undergo "quorum sensing". Describe what happens in the process.arrow_forwardBiofilms represent an important environmental niche. A) How does growth on a surface differ from growth in a suspended laboratory culture? (In other words: How do biofilm-forming cultures differ from planktonic cultures) B) Describe the stages of biofilm development including cellular and extracellular components?arrow_forwardExplain the purpose and phase where cells lose flagella and motility in biofilm formation, and why the amount of cell density is an important factor in type of bacteria where biofilm formation is triggered.arrow_forward
- Diseases that involve biofilm-producing bacteria are serious concern. They are not easily treated compared with those involving free-floating bacteria. Explain three reasons why biofilm formers are more pathogenic.arrow_forwardDescribe how microbial populations interact within a living biofilm. Describe the advantages to living in a biofilm and the genetic changes that occur in cells that adopt this lifestyle.arrow_forwardBiofilms are often formed on artificial surfaces in the human body. During medical procedures, when artificial joints, intravenous catheters, urinary catheters are placed and injections are made, commensals/mutualists may be introduced into new sites in the body and there they may form biofilms. Which statement below is NOT a reason to explain why such bacteria living in biofilms are so difficult to eliminate? O layers of biofilm prevent phagocytes from killing bacteria O layers of biofilm acts a a diffusion barrier against antibiotics O biofilm stimulates bacteria to grow continually in the log/exponential phase of growth O layers of biofilm acts a a diffusion barrier against antibodies/immunoglobulins O bacteria often in stationary phase of growtharrow_forward
- Diseases that involve biofilm-producing bacteria are of serious concern. They are not as easily treated compared with those involving free-floating (or planktonic) bacteria. Explain three reasons why biofilm formers are more pathogenic. Brian goes to the hospital after not feeling well for a week. He has a fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) and complains of nausea and a constant migraine. Distinguish between the signs and symptoms of disease in Brian’s case.arrow_forwardWhy is biofilm development in catheters (tubes that can be inserted into a body cavity, duct or vessel which allow drainage or injection of fluids) such a dangerous source of infection in hospitals?arrow_forwardDescribe the term resistance and biofilm related to microbiology.arrow_forward
- In microbiology, the term growth in a culture usually refers to an increase in O 1) the number and size of microbial cells. O 2) the amount of ATP consumed. O 3) a microbe's size. O 4) the number of microbial cells. 5) the amount of ATP produced.arrow_forwardDiscuss why the presence of biofilms may be beneficial tomicrobes yet problematic to humans.arrow_forwardWhy are infections that involve biofilms a concern?arrow_forward
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