10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth

Quorum sensing is:

a. The ability to respond to changes in population density

b. A characteristic allowing secretion of a matrix

c. Dependent on direct contact among cells

d. Associated with colonies in broth culture

What is the function of glycocalyces and fimbriae in forming a biofilm?

Biofilms:

What intercellular signaling method do bacterial cells within a biofilm use to understand their own population density?

Quorum sensing helps cells _______.

a. mutate

b. form biofilms

c. carry out transduction

d. copy their DNA

e. perform conjugation

When will the quorum sensing signaling molecule be in high concentration during biofilm development?

Explain quorum sensing, and describe how it is related to biofilm formation.