Quorum Sensing

Definition

Quorum sensing is a system of stimulus and response correlated to population density. Many species of bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate gene expression according to local population density.

Related terms

Biofilm Formation: Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that stick together on surfaces, often coordinated through quorum sensing. It’s similar to how fans at a concert might come together for certain songs.

Autoinducer Molecules: These are signaling molecules produced by bacteria that increase in concentration as a function of cell density. It's like the increasing volume of cheers as more fans join the concert.

Positive Feedback: This is a process where an output enhances or amplifies the original action. In quorum sensing, once a certain threshold of autoinducer molecules is reached, it triggers more production of these molecules, similar to how one person starting to clap at a concert can lead to everyone clapping.