What describes a biofilm?

• A. A single microorganism that survives in harsh conditions
• B. A protective gel produced by microorganisms that form a colony
• C. A method for cleaning surfaces with detergents
• D. A layer of disinfectant covering a surface

Answer: (B)

A biofilm is best described as a protective gel produced by microorganisms that form a colony. This gelatinous substance is composed of a mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids that provide a protective environment for the microorganisms, allowing them to thrive and adhere to surfaces. Biofilms can develop on a variety of surfaces, including medical instruments, natural bodies of water, and plant roots, and they play a significant role in microbial ecology and pathogenicity, as the microorganisms within the biofilm are often more resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants.

The other options do not accurately capture the characteristics or function of a biofilm. A single microorganism that survives in harsh conditions does not encompass the community aspect of biofilms, which involve many microorganisms working together. Cleaning surfaces with detergents refers to physical cleaning processes rather than the biological and chemical nature of biofilms. Lastly, a layer of disinfectant covering a surface does not represent a biofilm, which is a living structure rather than a chemical barrier.