UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 73
Consider the following statements :
- Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
- Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
- Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (1, 2 and 3)
Explanation: Biofilms are microbial communities enclosed in extracellular material, capable of developing on living tissue, implants and industrial surfaces with high tolerance to antibiotics.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. True / qualifies - Biofilms form on implanted catheters, prostheses and other medical devices.
2. True / qualifies - They grow on food and food-processing equipment surfaces.
3. True / qualifies - Their matrix, slow growth and altered gene expression make microbes more antibiotic-tolerant/resistant.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-omits 3 even though Their matrix, slow growth and altered gene expression make microbes more antibiotic-tolerant/resistant.
B. Incorrect-omits 1 even though Biofilms form on implanted catheters, prostheses and other medical devices.
C. Incorrect-omits 2 even though They grow on food and food-processing equipment surfaces.
D. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.