Which statement about microbiomes and/or biofilms is true?
A) Microbiome communities always occur as biofilms.
B) Biofilms are always detrimental to an organism's health.
C) The species present in an intestinal biofilm are considered part of the microbiome.
D) Microbiomes are easily studied, as most of the species present have been fully characterized.
E) Microbiomes are composed exclusively of bacterial communities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The species present in an intestinal biofilm are considered part of the microbiome. A microbiome is a community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that inhabit a particular environment or host organism. In the case of an intestinal microbiome, this includes the microbial communities that reside in the gut, including those that comprise biofilms.

Note: Choice A is false, as microbiome communities can occur as planktonic (free-floating) populations as well as biofilm populations. Choice B is false, as biofilms can have benefits to an organism, such as protection from environmental stressors or antibacterial agents. Choice D is false, as many microbes present in microbiomes remain uncharacterized, and research in the field is ongoing. Choice E is false, as microbiomes can include a diverse array of microbial species, not just bacteria.

Which Statement About Microbiomes And/or Biofilms Is True