Quorum Sensing
Quorum sensing is a communication process used by bacteria to coordinate their behavior based on population density. When the concentration of signaling molecules, called autoinducers, reaches a certain threshold, bacteria can detect these molecules and alter their gene expression. This allows them to synchronize activities such as biofilm formation, virulence, and bioluminescence.
This phenomenon is crucial for the survival and adaptability of bacterial communities. By working together, bacteria can perform complex tasks that would be impossible for individual cells. Quorum sensing is also being studied for its potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, including the development of new antimicrobial strategies.