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Bacterial Quorum Sensing

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Image from the interactive

Topic

  • Genetics
  • Gene Expression & Regulation
  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Microbiology
  • Bacteria

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
18 Users
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Description

This tutorial describes how bacteria communicate by a process known as quorum sensing, as shown through a series of experiments involving genetically engineered bioluminescent bacteria.

Vibrio harveyi is a marine bacteria that emits light, a property known as bioluminescence, only at high population density. This type of bioluminescence is controlled by a signaling system among bacteria called quorum sensing. The Click & Learn describes the results of three experiments that reveal how the quorum sensing system works.

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

bacteria, bioluminescence, cell culture, mutant, receptor, signal, strain

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 02.28.09

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3.B

AP Biology (2019)

IST-3.A, IST-3.B, IST-3.C, IST-3.D, IST-3.E, IST-3.G

IB Biology (2016)

7.2

VIsion and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5

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