«in biofilms» bacteria exhibit «emergent» properties not predictable from the individual components of the system
OR
biofilm exhibits its own properties, quite different in comparison with those shown by the single species
biofilms form when bacteria adhere to surface of tooth and begin to excrete an EPS/extracellular polymeric substances/exopolysaccharides
formation of EPS maintains bacteria together «in biofilm»
interspecies relationships are favourable
OR
one species produces growth factors for/facilitates attachment of another species
individual forces are low but the overall binding force can exceed that of covalent bonds
glue properties/cohesiveness given by different types of bonding
biofilms show resistance to antibiotics/other pathogen