UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Consider the following statements

1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
   
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: 

• • Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists. 

• One common example of a biofilm dental plaque, a slimy build-up of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth. Pond scum is another example. Biofilms have been found growing on minerals and metals. They have been found underwater, underground and above the ground. They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, on food and food processing surfaces and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers. So, statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.
  
  

• For microorganisms, living as a part of a biofilm comes with certain advantages. They are seen to exhibit antibiotic resistance. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology|Biology