Question

Bacteria often live in complex, multi-species communities, like the layer of plaque that grows on your teeth; such a community is called a(n) _________.

a) biotome
b) microtome
c) biofilm
d) anatome
e) disneyfilm

Answer 1

Biofilms are complex microbial communities that bacteria form on various surfaces, held together by a matrix of polysaccharides and other molecules. They provide a protective environment for bacteria and are notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their structure and resistance. The correct answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The complex, multi-species communities that bacteria form, such as the layer of plaque on teeth, are known as biofilms. A biofilm is a microbial community that is held together in a matrix primarily composed of polysaccharides, along with some proteins and nucleic acids.

These structures provide a protected environment for microorganisms and are commonly found in a variety of environments such as medical devices, industrial pipes, and natural surfaces. Studying biofilms requires understanding the metabolic collaborations within these communities, where waste products of one organism can serve as nutrients for another.

This symbiotic relationship is one of the reasons biofilms are so robust and difficult to eliminate. Due to these characteristics, they pose significant challenges in the medical field, as they can lead to infections resistant to traditional antibiotics.The correct answer is option C.