Answer:
<u>Biofilms are</u> defined as complex communities of microorganisms that grow embedded in a self-produced polymeric organic matrix and adhered to a living or inert surface, and that can present a single microbial species or a range of different species
Explanation:
The bacteria that form the biofilm are in what is called sessile form, exhibiting a phenotype different from those of the same cells in unicellular or free form (planktonic form) with respect to the growth rate and gene transcription (Donlan, 2002 ).
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The formation</u> of biofilms is an adaptive strategy of microorganisms, since growth in biofilm offers four important advantages: (I) protects microorganisms from the action of adverse agents, (II) increases the availability of nutrients for their growth, (III) facilitates the use of water, reducing the possibility of dehydration and (IV) enables the transfer of genetic material (DNA). All of these circumstances can increase your survival capabilities. As a consequence, <u>the usual methods of disinfection or the use of antibiotics are often ineffective against biofilm bacteria</u>.
In addition to the risk of contamination, the development of biofilms can interfere with different processes and cause damage to the equipment. In drinking water systems the formation of biofilms can obstruct the pipes reducing their speed and transport capacity causing an increase in energy consumption. The formation of biofilm in heat exchangers and cooling towers can reduce heat transfer and as a consequence its efficiency in the process. The formation of persistent biofilms on metal surfaces can cause corrosion due to acid production by bacteria.
<span>A light microscope uses focused light and lenses to magnify an object. Light microscopes come in several forms. (1) Simple light microscopes use a single lens to magnify an object and cannot reach high magnification just like a handheld lens whose highest clear magnification in the best conditions is 25x. (2) Compound light microscopes use two sets of lenses - an objective lens and an eye piece. This is the type of light microscope whose magnification power reaches between 1000x and 2000x.</span>
If an invasive species is added into a food chain/web, it becomes overpopulated/a pest because it has no natural predators.
It can also disrupt the food chain/web by eating the food supplies of the native organism leading to competitions.
