Bacteria as Communicators

Bacteria have the ability to communicate with each other using a chemical language. This process, known as quorum sensing, allows bacteria to coordinate their behavior and work as a collective. It was originally discovered in a species of bioluminescent bacteria associated with the bobtail squid. The bacteria release molecules called auto-inducers, which increase in concentration as the bacterial population grows. Once the auto-inducer concentration reaches a certain threshold, the bacteria act in unison, such as producing light or releasing toxins. Quorum sensing is seen in many different types of bacteria, and the molecules involved can differ for communication within the same species, between different species, or even between beneficial and harmful bacteria. Manipulating quorum sensing has the potential to be used in antibacterial therapies.