The intent of this review is to consider the reasons why bacteria switch from a free-floating to a biofilm mode of growth. The currently available wealth of data pertaining to the molecular genetics of biofilm formation in commonly studied, clinically relevant, single-species biofilms will be discussed in an effort to decipher the motivation behind the transition from Planktonic to sessile growth in the human body. Four potential incentives behind the formation of biofilms by bacteria during infection are considered protection from harmful conditions in the host (defense) sequestration to a nutrient-rich area (colonization) utilization of cooperative benefits (community) biofilms normally grow as biofilms and Planktonic cultures are an in vitro artifact (biofilms as the default mode of growth).

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