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Biofilms and Microbial Communities
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Biofilm
A complex aggregation of microorganisms marked by the excretion of a protective and adhesive matrix.
Quorum Sensing
A system of stimuli and response correlated to population density, enabling communication among microorganisms.
Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)
A polysaccharide-rich matrix produced by microbial communities that provides structural and protective functions to the biofilm.
Microbial Mat
A multi-layered sheet of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, with a high density of cells.
Syntrophy
A mutually beneficial interaction where one species lives off the products produced by another species.
Planktonic Cells
Microorganisms that are free-floating and not attached to any surface or biofilm structure.
Microbiota
The assemblage of microorganisms present in a defined environment.
Bioremediation
The use of microorganisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.
Biofouling
The undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals on wetted structures.
Competitive Exclusion
A principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant.
Denitrification
A microbial process where nitrate () is reduced and ultimately produces nitrogen gas (), releasing it into the atmosphere.
Commensalism
A type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Horizontal Gene Transfer
The movement of genetic material between unicellular and/or multicellular organisms other than by the transmission of DNA from parent to offspring.
Microbial Succession
The observed changes in a microbial community structure over time, often following a disturbance.
Phage Therapy
The therapeutic use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections.
Niche Partitioning
The process by which competing species or organisms use their environment differently to coexist.
Coaggregation
The specific adherence of cells of one bacterial species to cells of another bacterial species.
Anammox
An anaerobic process in which ammonium () is directly converted into nitrogen gas () by bacteria.
Antibiofilm Agents
Substances that prevent the formation of biofilms or assist in their removal.
Siderophores
Small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds secreted by microorganisms.
Functional Redundancy
The phenomenon where multiple species within a community perform similar functional roles.
Autoinducers
Signaling molecules produced in response to changes in cell-population density, as part of the quorum sensing system.
Dysbiosis
The imbalance in the composition of the microbial community, which can lead to health problems.
Metagenomics
The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.
Persister Cells
Dormant bacterial cells which can survive antibiotic treatment without acquiring antibiotic resistance.
Proto-cooperation
A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit from, but are not dependent on, their relationship for survival.
Ruminant Microbial Community
The complex community of microorganisms found in the rumen of cattle and other ruminants, which helps in the digestion of cellulose and other plant materials.
Cryptic Growth
A phenomenon during which bacteria grow by utilizing the lysed cell material of other bacteria instead of the provided nutrients.
Microbial Consortia
A group of different species of microorganisms that live and work together in a close-knit community.
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