The article "Biofilms as Complex Differentiated Communities" by P. Stoodley, K. Sauer, D. G. Davies, and J. W. Costerton explores the complex structure and differentiation of prokaryotic biofilms. Biofilms, which are prevalent in various ecosystems, are composed of highly structured multispecies communities with integrated metabolic activities and developmental sequences similar to those of multicellular organisms. The authors highlight the importance of cell-cell interactions and the role of surfaces in providing a protective niche for attached cells, leading to the development of localized homeostatic environments. They argue that both biofilm and planktonic phenotypes are integrated components of prokaryote life. The article discusses the initial processes in biofilm formation, including irreversible attachment, biofilm maturation, and the influence of hydrodynamics on biofilm structure and material properties. It also delves into the phenotypic differentiation during biofilm development, such as the upregulation of specific genes and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to biofilm structure and function. The role of quorum sensing in regulating biofilm development and the involvement of other communication systems are also explored. The authors emphasize that biofilm formation is a developmental process involving distinct stages: reversible attachment, irreversible attachment, maturation, and detachment. They suggest that biofilms are physiologically and behaviorally integrated microbial communities, with cells arranged in a highly structured manner that facilitates cooperative interactions. The article concludes by discussing the self-assembly of microbial communities, highlighting the phenotypic plasticity of bacterial genomes and their ability to respond to environmental changes, such as nutrient availability, to form complex biofilm structures.The article "Biofilms as Complex Differentiated Communities" by P. Stoodley, K. Sauer, D. G. Davies, and J. W. Costerton explores the complex structure and differentiation of prokaryotic biofilms. Biofilms, which are prevalent in various ecosystems, are composed of highly structured multispecies communities with integrated metabolic activities and developmental sequences similar to those of multicellular organisms. The authors highlight the importance of cell-cell interactions and the role of surfaces in providing a protective niche for attached cells, leading to the development of localized homeostatic environments. They argue that both biofilm and planktonic phenotypes are integrated components of prokaryote life. The article discusses the initial processes in biofilm formation, including irreversible attachment, biofilm maturation, and the influence of hydrodynamics on biofilm structure and material properties. It also delves into the phenotypic differentiation during biofilm development, such as the upregulation of specific genes and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to biofilm structure and function. The role of quorum sensing in regulating biofilm development and the involvement of other communication systems are also explored. The authors emphasize that biofilm formation is a developmental process involving distinct stages: reversible attachment, irreversible attachment, maturation, and detachment. They suggest that biofilms are physiologically and behaviorally integrated microbial communities, with cells arranged in a highly structured manner that facilitates cooperative interactions. The article concludes by discussing the self-assembly of microbial communities, highlighting the phenotypic plasticity of bacterial genomes and their ability to respond to environmental changes, such as nutrient availability, to form complex biofilm structures.