Question

Which of the following statements about quorum sensing is false?

a. Autoinducer must bind to receptor to turn on transcription of genes responsible for the production of more autoinducer.

b. The receptor stays in the bacterial cell, but the autoinducer diffuses out.

c. Autoinducer can only act on a different cell: it cannot act on the cell in which it is made.

d. Autoinducer turns on genes that enable the bacteria to form a biofilm.

Short answer

The option (c) will be the answer.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Quorum sensing is a process of cell communication used mainly by bacteria that helps to inform them about the availability of other (similar or different) bacteria in its surroundings.

Explanation for correct answer

Autoinducers act as signaling molecules in Quorum sensing method. Autoinducers are secreted by bacteria to communicate with other similar bacteria. Autoinducers are also capable to act on the host cells. Hence, statement given in option (c) is false.

Explanation for incorrect options

Autoinducer must be bound to their receptors to activate the gene transcription which is again responsible for the production of more autoinducer. Hence, option (a) is a true statement.

In quorum sensing the receptor is found to be present inside the bacterial cell, but the autoinducer diffuses out of the cell. Hence, option (b) is also a true statement.

The autoinducer turns on biofilm forming genes in the bacteria. Hence, option (d) is also a true statement.