PDA log · 173 words
Biofilm is an external structure created by bacteria—a city to support their growth. The first bodies on Earth were probably biofilms. Biofilms allow bacteria to colonize hostile substrates, like medical equipment or exposed rock face. 1. Unusual toughness A crystalline protein structure similar to spider silk—too tough to cut by hand. May be vulnerable to sonic resonance. 2. Internal electrical network Nanowires allow bacteria to share electrons for different metabolic reactions. Capable of growth even in extreme environments. 3. Multiple bacterial species Optogenetic analysis detects thousands of distinct strains in the film. Reproductive patterns anomalous. 4. Viral superinfection The film is infected with two strains of large RNA virus (generated name "Proteavirus alpha" and "Proteavirus beta"). These strains are in competition: viruses from one strain infect and destroy bacteria infected by the other. Possibly a case of interguild predation? 5. Possible kharaatypic activity Some structures within the biofilm distantly resemble kharaa microforms encountered in the Ariadne Arm. Further analysis required. Assessment: Ecological unknown. Possibly dangerous. Avoid contact or find a tool to destroy.
