You hang a microscope slide from a submerged, L-shaped PVC pipe in lake water that is 2 feet deep. The slide hangs 6 inches below the surface of the water and remains there for eight weeks. When you remove it and bring it to your lab for observation, you see that algae, bacteria, and even some fungi have colonized the slide. You determine that you are looking at a/an
A)biofilm.
B)community of eukaryotes.
C)biological weapon.
D)endotoxin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that attach to a surface and secrete a slimy material that holds them together. The fact that algae, bacteria, and fungi have colonized the slide hanging in lake water for a prolonged period of time indicates that they have formed a biofilm on the surface of the slide. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are not supported by the given information.

You Hang a Microscope Slide from a Submerged, L-Shaped PVC