Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria by Bonnie Bassler, June 2008 - Part 1: Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Intra- and Inter-Species Communication (53:48)

Bacteria, primitive single-celled organisms, communicate with chemical languages that allow them to synchronize their... » More

Bacteria, primitive single-celled organisms, communicate with chemical languages that allow them to synchronize their behavior and thereby act as enormous multi-cellular organisms. This process is called quorum sensing and it enables bacteria to successfully infect and cause disease in plants, animals, and humans. Investigations of the molecular mechanisms underlying quorum sensing are leading to the development of novel strategies to interfere with quorum sensing. These strategies form the basis of new therapies to be used as antibiotics.

For further information see: http://www.ascb.org/ibioseminars/Bassler/Bassler1.cfm « Hide