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Multiple Choice
Quorum sensing is used by bacterial cells to determine which of the following?
A
The temperature of their surroundings
B
The availability of nutrients in the environment
C
The density of nearby bacterial populations
D
The presence of viruses in the vicinity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of quorum sensing: Quorum sensing is a communication mechanism used by bacteria to coordinate certain behaviors based on the density of their population.
Recognize that quorum sensing involves the production, release, and detection of signaling molecules called autoinducers.
As the bacterial population increases, the concentration of autoinducers in the environment also increases.
When the concentration of autoinducers reaches a threshold level, it triggers a coordinated response in the bacterial population, such as bioluminescence, virulence factor production, or biofilm formation.
Conclude that quorum sensing is primarily used by bacterial cells to assess the density of nearby bacterial populations, not to determine temperature, nutrient availability, or the presence of viruses.