Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism used by bacteria to coordinate group behaviors based on population density. It involves the production, release, and detection of chemical signal molecules called autoinducers.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Quorum sensing regulates gene expression in response to fluctuations in cell-population density.
Autoinducers are the signaling molecules used in quorum sensing.
The process can control various bacterial activities such as biofilm formation, virulence factor production, and bioluminescence.
Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria utilize quorum sensing but often use different types of autoinducers.
Quorum sensing can be disrupted by quorum quenching, which involves degrading or inhibiting the signal molecules.
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Related terms
Autoinducer: Small signaling molecule involved in quorum sensing.