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
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- Describe 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_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_forwardExplain how biofilms form and why they are importantarrow_forwardDiscuss why the presence of biofilms may be beneficial tomicrobes yet problematic to humans.arrow_forward
- Bacterial growth depends on many environmental factors, including the temperature of the environment. Since microbes can survive in a certain range of temperatures and will thrive at a temperature, understanding these variables allows for control of their growth. This understanding can be used, for example, to preserve certain foods or to treat infections. This lab simulation will use an instrument called a spectrophotometer. This instrument quantitatively measures the amount of light that is absorbed or transmitted by molecules in solution. Microbial populations grow at different rates based on temperature. One way to measure growth is by turbidity measurements. When bacteria multiply in a broth culture they turn the clear solution cloudy, or turbid. a) in your own words explain the proper steps to Inoculate 5°C sterile broth tube using aseptic techniquearrow_forwardWithin a biofilm: cells are randomly distributed. cells are protected from easy penetration of larger molecules including disinfectants and antibiotics. dry conditions lead to stasis. oxygen is limiting.arrow_forwardDefine biofilm and quorum sensing. Explain how quorum sensing is used to direct the activities of a biofilm.arrow_forward
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