Question

multiple choice question

when organisms attach to a substrate and secrete an extracellular matrix, a ________ is formed.

• quorum
• biofilm
• tissue
• membrane

Explanation:

Identify the biological process described

The question describes a process where organisms attach to a substrate and secrete an extracellular matrix.

Evaluate the given options

• quorum: A minimum number of members of an assembly or group, or a signaling mechanism (quorum sensing), not the physical structure itself.
• biofilm: A collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces, characterized by attachment to a substrate and secretion of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix.
• tissue: An ensemble of similar cells and their extracellular matrix from the same origin that together carry out a specific function in multicellular organisms.
• membrane: A selective barrier or thin sheet of tissue.

Select the correct term

The physical structure formed when microorganisms attach to a surface and secrete an extracellular matrix is a biofilm.

Answer:

• quorum
• biofilm (Correct answer)
• tissue
• membrane