Question

Quorum sensing is triggered to begin when ___________.

a. treatment with antibiotics occurs

b. bacteria release growth hormones

c. bacterial protein expression is switched on

d. a sufficient number of bacteria are present

Short answer

The correct option is d.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Quorum sensing is an ability to sense and respond to abundance of cell by gene regulation.

Step 2. The explanation for the correct option

Option d is correct because quorum sensing is bacterial signaling that informs the abundance of bacteria is present in the environment.

Step 3. The explanation for incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because quorum sensing is the signaling of bacteria. It is possible to exploit this signal pathway to curb the growth of bacteria and replace antibiotics where bacteria are resistant in certain situations.

Option b is incorrect quorum sensing does not trigger the bacteria to release growth hormones.

Option c is incorrect because expression for bacterial protein is not initiated by quorum sensing.