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Biofilm
Formation
This is an
SEM micrograph showing the formation of
a biofilm by a colony of Cocci type bacteria. The three bacteria on the
right portion of the micrograph show the earliest stage of biofilm
formation. Two have adhered to each other, and one has become affixed to
the substrate. As you scan to the left, the biofilm formation becomes
more pronounced. The four bacteria near the center of the micrograph are
clearly connected by an adhesive matrix. It can also be seen in this
area that a layer of this adhesive matrix is forming on the substrate.
Even further left, the biofilm becomes more fully developed, with the
bacteria completely encased in the adhesive matrix. This adhesive matrix
if formed from excretions from the bacteria. The lower left region shows
a very thick "glob" of bacteria encased in a well formed biofilm. |