Figure 1: An overview of population dependent quorum sensing among bacteria
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system in bacteria. It occurs due to the production, secretion, and sensing of extracellular molecules or signals called as autoinducers (AIs). The AIs take parts in many physiological metabolic processes of cells, such as bioluminescence, biofilm formation, bacterial virulence, antibiotic production, motility, sporulation, etc. The process of QS starts whenever bacterial cell number increases beyond a particular point, known as threshold concentration. The signal molecules (AIs) interact with the bacterial receptors in the process of cell-to-cell communication (Figure 1).
HOW WAS QUORUM SENSING DISCOVERED?
Quorum sensing was first described in1970, by Kenneth Nealson, Terry Platt, and J. Woodland Hastings in the bioluminescent marine bacterium- Vibrio fischeri through the identification of “autoinducing” activity in the high-density bacterial cell medium. Initially, they ascribed this conditioning of medium is due to the growing population of cells and termed this phenomenon as “autoinduction”.
WHEN DO BACTERIA USE QUORUM SENSING?
From public health perspective, the bacterial QS signaling play important roles in biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and bacterial virulence. These phenomena occur due to production, release, and detection of extracellular signal molecules (autoinducers). These molecules allow cells to coordinate gene expression based on bacterial cell density in the outer cell environment.
Biofilm formation:
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Food Marketing & Technology - India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Food Marketing & Technology - India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Food Waste Consuming Us? The Urgent Need for Change
Food waste is undeniably a global crisis that is not only consuming vast quantities of resources but also exacerbating environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Consolidated Competence for the Process Industry - Smart Solutions for Manufacturing Meat Substitutes and Confectionery
Strong Together: Coperion, Coperion K-Tron and Gabler Engineering at Interpack 2023
'Quality' - A Panacea To Boost To Health And The Economy
Quality is a paramount factor in today's fast-paced and competitive global marketplace.
How Conveyor Belts help a Baker's Vision
Baking as a process requires a degree of precision and consistency to produce high-quality goods. One of the ways to achieve this is by using a conveyor belt.
Summer Diet In Focus
Synopsis - Nuts and dry fruits are healthy and nutritious snack options that can be enjoyed in moderation during the summer season.
The Magic of Spices in Baking
Spices hold a rather special place in the world of baking. They not only help in infusing delightful flavours and captivating aromas but also add a magical kick to the creations. As a pastry chef, I love exploring the potential spices have to transform ordinary bakes into extraordinary delights.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Cheese Production
The dairy sector is at a crossroads. The current shifting consumer tastes, increasing demand for sustainability and price pressure is pushing dairies to consider changing mature and proven processes.
Importance of particle sizing in food industry
The Indian food market size is more than USD 300 Billion and growing with a CAGR of ~10%. Food analysis is one of the major concerns with a prerequisite for assuring the best product quality.
Value-Added Millets in the Food and Beverage Industry
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
Seeds To Add In Your Daily Life
In this modern era of busy lifestyle, maintaining good physical and mental health is very challenging. Everyone is looking for ready to eat nutrient rich food items. Nowadays, the attention of nutrient dense food is gained by oil seeds because of their positive impact on health promotion and disease prevention.