biofilms
Microbial surface communities
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and encase themselves in a slimy, protective matrix.
Bacteria in biofilms behave differently than free-floating cells—they're harder to kill with antibiotics and can cause persistent infections on medical implants, in wounds, or on teeth (dental plaque is a biofilm).
Biofilms also form on pipes, ship hulls, and in industrial equipment where they cause fouling and corrosion.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- coloniesTerritories under foreign control
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
- microbiotaResident microscopic organisms
prokaryotic · bacteriology · EPS · pellicle · planktonic · sessile · matrix · aggregation
Primitive aquatic photosynthesizers
- benthicOf the sea bottom
- aquaticWater-inhabiting
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
symbiosis · sediment · stream · pond scum · coral · detritus · microflora · wetland
Organism accumulation on surfaces
- bioreactorVessel for growing organisms
- wastewater treatmentCleaning used liquid for reuse
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- cooling towersIndustrial heat-removal structures
ship hulls · water systems · bioremediation · biodegradation · filtration · desalination · antifouling · disinfection
Inscribed memorial tablet
- tartarHardened dental plaque
- calculusMathematical analysis system
- gingivitisGum tissue inflammation
- periodontalOf gums and bone
caries · tooth decay · enamel · gum disease · dental hygiene · brushing · flossing · mouthwash
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- endocarditisInflamed inner heart lining
- cystic fibrosisGenetic disorder thickening mucus
- pseudomonasGram-negative rod-shaped bacterium
- staphylococcusSpherical bacteria in clusters
pathogen · virulence · persistence · inflammation · contamination · wound healing · prosthetic · osteomyelitis
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- coloniesTerritories under foreign control
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
microbiota · prokaryotic · bacteriology · EPS · pellicle · planktonic · sessile · matrix · aggregation · adhesion
algae
Primitive aquatic photosynthesizers
microhabitat · symbiosis · sediment · stream · pond scum · coral · detritus · microflora · wetland · estuary
biofouling
Organism accumulation on surfaces
- bioreactorVessel for growing organisms
- wastewater treatmentCleaning used liquid for reuse
- corrosionChemical wearing away
cooling towers · ship hulls · water systems · bioremediation · biodegradation · filtration · desalination · antifouling · disinfection · chlorination
plaque
Inscribed memorial tablet
- tartarHardened dental plaque
- calculusMathematical analysis system
- gingivitisGum tissue inflammation
periodontal · caries · tooth decay · enamel · gum disease · dental hygiene · brushing · flossing · mouthwash · fluoride
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- endocarditisInflamed inner heart lining
- cystic fibrosisGenetic disorder thickening mucus
- pseudomonasGram-negative rod-shaped bacterium
staphylococcus · pathogen · virulence · persistence · inflammation · contamination · wound healing · prosthetic · osteomyelitis · sepsis
- microbiologybacteria, bacterium, microbe, microbes, microorganisms
- Biohazardsanthrax, HIV, pathogens, prions, smallpox
- Microbesbacteria, bacterium, virus, mold, prokaryote
- Food Microbiologybacterial growth, microbial growth, spoilage, pathogens, pathogen
- microbial ecologymicrobiome, microbiota, symbiosis, mutualism, commensalism
- human microbiomegut microbiome, skin microbiome, intestinal flora, probiotics, lactobacillus