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Q37·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2022

Formation and properties of biofilms

S&THealth & Medical ScienceStatement-basedMediumStatic

Question

Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1.

    Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.

  2. 2.

    Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.

  3. 3.

    Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.

Options

a

1 and 2 only

b

2 and 3 only

c

1 and 3 only

d

1, 2 and 3

Answer

Explanation

All three statements are correct. A biofilm is a collective of microorganisms that stick to each other and adhere to a surface (like dental plaque). They frequently form on foreign bodies like medical implants and industrial food processing equipment. The thick extracellular matrix they secrete makes them notoriously highly resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants.

Biofilms are bacterial fortresses; they form on almost any moist surface and provide massive collective resistance against chemical attacks.

Answer: (d).

Question details

Year

2022

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q37

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Health & Medical Science

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Biology Cl.12 / Microbial Matrix Biofilm Formations

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