Small talk. Cell-to-cell communication in bacteria

Cell. 2002 May 17;109(4):421-4. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)00749-3.

Abstract

In a process called quorum sensing, groups of bacteria communicate with one another to coordinate their behavior and function like a multicellular organism. A diverse array of secreted chemical signal molecules and signal detection apparatuses facilitate highly productive intra- and interspecies relationships.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / cytology
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Enzyme Induction / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / genetics
  • Lactones / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Symbiosis / genetics*

Substances

  • Lactones