INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What provides new receptors for attachment of other bacteria in biofilm formation?

1. Polymerization

2. Coadhesion

3. Coaggregation

4. Bacterial fusion

The correct answer is: Coadhesion

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that stick to different surfaces and are enclosed by a protective layer of secreted substances. These bacteria can adhere to each other and non-living materials through two main mechanisms attachment to a surface and coadhesion to each other. Coadhesion is the formation of associations between different bacteria, allowing them to become part of the biofilm structure and provide new receptors for other bacteria to attach to. Polymerization, coaggregation, and bacterial fusion do not necessarily involve the formation of new receptors and are not directly related to biofilm formation. Therefore, option B is correct as it describes the specific mechanism that provides new receptors for attachment of other bacteria in biofilm formation.