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Bacterial Quorum Sensing

Launch Interactive
Topic
  • Genetics
  • Gene Expression & Regulation
  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Microbiology
  • Bacteria
Resource Type
  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn
Level
High School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
11 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.

Details
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
Curriculum Connections
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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