Exopolymer
Encyclopedia
An exopolymer is a biopolymer
that is secreted by an organism into the environment (i.e. external to the organism). These exopolymers include the biofilm
s produced by bacteria to anchor them and protect them from environmental conditions.
Biopolymer
Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms. Since they are polymers, Biopolymers contain monomeric units that are covalently bonded to form larger structures. There are three main classes of biopolymers based on the differing monomeric units used and the structure of the biopolymer formed...
that is secreted by an organism into the environment (i.e. external to the organism). These exopolymers include the biofilm
Biofilm
A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms in which cells adhere to each other on a surface. These adherent cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance...
s produced by bacteria to anchor them and protect them from environmental conditions.