MIC 4124 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Fibrin, Galactose, Serratia

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Microbiology and Immunology
• Course: MIC 4124
• Professor: Thien Fah Mah

Document Summary

Defined as a community of microbes attached to a surface (biotic or abiotic), encased in a matrix. Biotic = something alive (e. g. : on our body) Abiotic = not alive (e. g. : vascular prosthesis) Cells in the biofilm are surrounded by a matrix. Most biofilms are multispecies (e. g. : contains different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. ) A biofilm requires certain environmental conditions to trigger its formation. The interact with cell surfaces, as well as other cells on the surface. Channels in between structures to allow liquid and waste to pass through. The matrix forms the structure of the biofilm. Single cells and clumps can detach and be moved to another place. Biofilm = slow growth = less energy output = less need for energy = longer lasting. Attaching to a surface = more access to nutrients (as opposed to being in something like air) E. g. : very common to find biofilms in catheters (abiotic surface)