Please answer and clarify the answers of the Microbiology Battling Biofilms Questions: (2 points each)

1. Explain briefly the four steps involved in forming a biofilm.

1. The first step is that free-swimming bacterial cells align on a surface and arrange themselves in clusters and then attach.

2. The second step is that the collected cells begin producing a gooey matrix.

3. The third step is that the cells signal one another to multiply and form a microcolony.

4. The fourth step is that the chemical gradients arise and promote the coexistence of diverse species and metabolic rates.

2. Describe strategies scientists might employ to interfere with each of the four stages of biofilm formation. Which one do you think will work the best? Why?

3. How might scientists use biofilms to benefit humans?

4. A scientist claims that cows eat bacteria, not hay. Explain how the idea of biofilms confirms the scientist's statement.

5. Name three places where you are likely to find biofilms?

6. Define biofilm, capsule and slime layers.

1. Biofilm- This comprises any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface.

2. Capsule- This comprises of a very large structure for many bacteria

3. Slime Layers- This is a bacteria is an easily removable unorganized layer of substance, which is slime.

7. What are the purposes of biofilms, capsules, and slime layers for bacteria?

8. How can biofilms complicate treatment of infectious diseases?

9. The surface of a rock in a flowing stream will often contain a biofilm. What advantages could be conferred on bacteria growing in a biofilm compared with growth within the flowing stream?

10. Name a bacteria (Genus and species) that can cause human disease in part by producing a biofilm. What disease does it cause?