Question map
Consider the following statements : 1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues. 2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces. 3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4 (1, 2 and 3) because all three statements accurately describe the characteristics and behavior of biofilms.
- Statement 1 is correct: Biofilms are clusters of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces. In medical contexts, they readily form on implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, and catheters, as these foreign bodies provide a stable substrate for microbial attachment within human tissues.
- Statement 2 is correct: Biofilms are a major concern in the food industry. They can develop on food surfaces (like leafy greens) and processing equipment (stainless steel or plastic), leading to persistent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
- Statement 3 is correct: Microorganisms within a biofilm are significantly more resistant to antibiotics than their free-floating counterparts. The protective extracellular matrix acts as a physical barrier, and the altered metabolic state of the bacteria further reduces the efficacy of antimicrobial agents.
Since all statements are scientifically validated, Option 4 is the right choice.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'General Awareness' question disguised as technical science. While the specific term 'Biofilm' might be missing from basic NCERTs, the logic relies on the fundamental NCERT fact that microbes are ubiquitous and adaptable. If you know bacteria stick to teeth (plaque) and develop resistance, you can derive the rest.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Directly states that infections (biofilms) can occur on medical implants.
- Specifically lists catheters and prosthetic devices as locations where biofilms form.
- Describes biofilms formed by adherent bacteria on medical implants and devices.
- Links such biofilms to serious mortality and morbidity, supporting clinical relevance.
- Names specific medical devices (endotracheal tubes, central vascular catheters, urinary catheters) where biofilm formation occurs.
- Frames biofilm formation on devices as a significant clinical challenge, implying in-tissue/device occurrence.
Describes tissue fluid/lymph leaving capillaries and bathing intercellular spaces, showing that body implants would be in contact with a fluid medium carrying proteins and cells.
A student could combine this with the basic fact that microbes use surface-bound fluids and nutrients to colonize surfaces, suggesting implants immersed in tissue fluid could support biofilm formation.
Explains blood/plasma transport throughout the body and the presence of a fluid medium that reaches tissues.
Knowing implants lie adjacent to or inside tissues perfused by blood, one could infer implants will be exposed to blood-borne proteins and cells that can condition surfaces and aid microbial adhesion and biofilm development.
Notes that hospital materials and wastes (including disinfectants and infectious waste) are associated with healthcare procedures and can be highly infectious if not managed.
A student could use this to reason that medical devices handled in healthcare settings may be exposed to infectious agents, raising plausibility that devices placed in patients could be contaminated and support biofilms.
Lists treatment apparatus like needles and syringes as biomedical waste, linking medical devices directly to patient care processes.
Combining this with the idea that devices contact tissues and bodily fluids, a student might infer that such contact provides opportunities for microbial colonization and biofilm formation on implants.
Discusses organ and tissue donation and that some tissues/organs are handled while donors are alive, implying invasive procedures and implanted biological materials.
A student could extend this to note that any implanted tissue or device introduced during such procedures will interact with host fluids and immune factors, creating conditions where surface-associated microbial communities (biofilms) might form.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.