[Campbell Biology P.631] Biofilms, like those formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , pose signif... | Practice Question
Biofilms, like those formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , pose significant challenges in medical and industrial settings. Which of the following best explains why biofilms are difficult to treat and manage, based on the provided text?
A: Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and can evade host immune responses due to their structure and the protective matrix they secrete, leading to chronic infections.
B: Biofilms consist of individual, isolated cells that are easily dispersed, making them simple to remove with standard cleaning agents.
C: Biofilms strictly require oxygen, making them sensitive to anaerobic environments and easy to eliminate in such conditions.
D: Biofilms primarily cause cosmetic damage and have minimal impact on human health or industrial infrastructure.
Explanation
The text states that many biofilms "can evade host immune responses and are extremely resistant to antibiotics, making them hard to treat." It also highlights that they "cause billions of dollars in damage and inflict tens of millions of people with chronic infections."