Tiny Conspiracies: Cell-to-Cell Communication in Bacteria

Abstract

Bacteria communicate with one another using chemical molecules that they release into the environment. These molecules travel from cell to cell and the bacteria have receptors on their surfaces that allow them to detect and respond to the build-up of the molecules. This process of cell-to-cell communication in bacteria is called “Quorum Sensing” and it allows bacteria to synchronize behavior on a population-wide scale. Dr. Bassler will talk about research into therapies that interrupt quorum sensing.