Sessile

Definition

Sessile refers to microorganisms that are attached to a surface and do not move. These microbes form biofilms and are often involved in chronic infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sessile bacteria form biofilms, which provide protection from environmental stresses.
2. Biofilms created by sessile organisms can be found on medical devices, leading to persistent infections.
3. Sessile microbes communicate through quorum sensing to coordinate activities such as biofilm formation.
4. Antibiotic resistance is significantly higher in sessile bacteria within biofilms compared to their planktonic counterparts.
5. The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix helps sessile microorganisms adhere to surfaces and protects them from host immune responses.

Review Questions

• What is the primary difference between sessile and planktonic bacteria?
• How does the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) benefit sessile microbes?
• Why are biofilms formed by sessile organisms challenging for medical treatments?

Related terms

Planktonic: Free-floating or swimming microorganisms that live independently rather than attached to a surface.

Biofilm: A structured community of microbial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix and adherent to an inert or living surface.

Quorum Sensing: A mechanism of cell-to-cell communication that regulates gene expression based on cell population density.