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The Most Abundant Type Of Cell Is Bacteria Essay

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Introduction
The most abundant type of cell is bacteria. It is a single celled organism that rapidly multiplies and lives on almost all aspects of the environment. Most bacteria were discovered and studied in laboratories during the 20th century. However, more recently scientists have been able to study bacteria in its natural environment due to advancements in technology, such as microscopes. With advancements in equipment, along with scientists, it is now known that most bacteria live in complex communities called biofilm. The study of biofilms has grown exponentially in recent years due to increased awareness of its impact on natural and manufactured systems, as well as human health. It is reported that biofilm cost the U.S. billions of dollars every year in product contamination, energy losses, equipment damage and medical infections (Montana State University CBE, retrieved 2016). To understand the important of biofilm it is necessary to understand that it is a form of bacteria that is densely packed in communities of microbial cells that grow together and adhere to a moist surface. These complex communities of bacteria contain many strains and include a multistep formation that is vital. Oral biofilms contain communities of disease causing bacteria and if left uncontrolled can be related to periodontal disease. For the dental hygienist understanding what biofilm is will be just as important as understanding its formation.
Discovering and Understanding Biofilm
Complex

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