BIOL 1111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Dental Plaque, Quorum Sensing, Biofilm
13 Jun 2018
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Prokaryotes in Nature
-prokaryotes live in communities where they interact (rocks near streams w biofilm)
Biofilm
Biofilm: complex aggregation of microorganisms attached to the surface and surrounded by a film of
polymers
-ex. Rocks near streams have biofilm; dental plaque
Formation of Biofilm
-have a surface covered in sugar and water for the bacteria to adhere
-irreversibly attached, grow and divide
-make an extracellular polymer substance and surround themselves using quorum sensing
(communication between bacterial cells), producing a polymer layer attracting other organisms to
become a part of the biofilm
Biofilm
Detrimental consequences
-harmful when attached to surgical equipment and supplies
-become more resistant to antibiotics because of gene transfer and resistance may accumulate
Beneficial consequences
-used in sewage treatment plants
-help in cleanup of toxic organic molecules in groundwater by having the biofilm adhere to the product
and then break it down
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Prokaryotes live in communities where they interact (rocks near streams w biofilm) Biofilm: complex aggregation of microorganisms attached to the surface and surrounded by a film of polymers. Have a surface covered in sugar and water for the bacteria to adhere. Make an extracellular polymer substance and surround themselves using quorum sensing (communication between bacterial cells), producing a polymer layer attracting other organisms to become a part of the biofilm. Harmful when attached to surgical equipment and supplies. Become more resistant to antibiotics because of gene transfer and resistance may accumulate.
