biolfilms

Question 1

what is a biofilm

Answer 1

a community of microbes attached to a surface that encase themselves in a slimy matrix

Question 2

what is the matrix of a biofilm made up of

Answer 2

made up of various types of polymers

Question 3

what are the various types of polymers of the biofilm matrix called

Answer 3

extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)

Question 4

T or F: biofilms are found everywhere in nature

Answer 4

true

Question 5

give 4 examples of where biofilms form in nature

Answer 5

plaque on teeth, on medical devices, on rocks, hulls of ships

Question 6

how do biofilms form

Answer 6

certain microbes will adhere to a surface in a moist environment and then begin to reproduce = accumulation, and then the matrix will be secreted

Question 7

list 3 properties that microbes obtain once they’re in a biofilm

Answer 7

they may produce novel proteins (ones they wouldn’t produce otherwise), may be protected from UV light, and they may be protected from antimicrobial agents

Question 8

list 3 reasons why bacteria live in biofilms

Answer 8

increased survival

lots of nutrients are present

increased probability for genetic exchange

Question 9

how do biofilms help increase the survival of bacteria

Answer 9

allows them to attach to a surface, helps them resist phagocytosis due to the slimy matrix, and it decreases their susceptibility to toxic materials