Autoinducers

Definition

Autoinducers are small signaling molecules produced and released by bacteria to communicate with each other. They play a crucial role in quorum sensing, allowing bacterial populations to coordinate collective behaviors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Autoinducers accumulate in the environment as bacterial population density increases.
2. They bind to specific receptors on bacterial cells, triggering changes in gene expression.
3. Different species of bacteria produce distinct types of autoinducers.
4. The concentration of autoinducers must reach a threshold level to activate quorum sensing mechanisms.
5. Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is a common type of autoinducer involved in interspecies communication among bacteria.

Review Questions

• What role do autoinducers play in bacterial communication?
• How do autoinducers influence gene expression in bacterial cells?
• What is the significance of reaching a threshold concentration of autoinducers?

Related terms

Quorum Sensing: A cell-to-cell communication process that allows bacteria to collectively regulate gene expression based on population density.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced matrix, often regulated by quorum sensing and autoinducers.