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Quorum sensing Original Scenario-Based Practice

Biology · Cell Communication & the Cell Cycle · Biology · Cell Communication

1 Biology practice questions on Quorum sensing. Questions built around original scenarios.

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  1. 1.

    Deep within an ice cave, astrobiologists study a colony of synthetic aquatic bacteria whose individuals continuously secrete a low basal level of a small signaling molecule called an autoinducer. Solitary floating cells remain completely dark, but whenever water currents herd thousands of these bacteria into a narrow crevice, the entire cluster abruptly emits a coordinated flash of emerald light. Which biological communication mechanism explains why bioluminescence is activated only when the bacterial population reaches this critical local density?

    • A) Nutrient depletion in the enclosed crevice triggers cellular stress pathways that switch metabolism to bioluminescent autolysis.
    • B) High cell density allows secreted autoinducers to reach a critical threshold concentration that binds specific receptors and activates collective gene transcription.
    • C) Direct membrane contact between adjacent cells opens gap junctions that propagate electrical action potentials across the entire cluster.
    • D) Increased mechanical pressure in the tight fissure stimulates stretch-activated ion channels that induce light-producing enzymes independent of chemical signaling.

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