Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Quorum Sensing Bacteria’s Secret Communication

Word Count Emoji
421 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Introduction

  • 🎤 Quorum Sensing: It's like a bacterial group chat!
  • Quorum: Minimum number of members needed for a decision.
    • Example: 2/3 of UN Security Council members needed for a meeting.
  • 🦠 Bacteria's version of a quorum: Quorum Sensing.

What's quorum sensing?

  • Bacterial Signals
    • Bacteria release signalling molecules.
    • Think of it as the bacteria sending text messages 📱.
  • Reading the Message
    • These molecules drift and bind to receptors in other cells.
    • Like reading a notification on your phone.
  • Response to the Group Chat
    • When enough signals are received, the cell's gene expression changes.
    • It's like getting many likes on a post and deciding to post more.
  • Counting the Group Size
    • As bacterial population increases, more signalling happens.
    • When enough bacteria agree, they collectively change their activity.
    • "Hey, there's enough of us here. Let's do something cool!"

Why Is this interaction important?

  • Bacteria rely on each other for certain tasks. They are the ultimate team players 🤝.
  • Example 1: Dental Bacteria
    • High numbers ➡️ they secrete a glue-like substance.
    • Creates a biofilm layer on teeth (this is why you should brush!).
  • Example 2: Bioluminescence
    • Bacteria glow in the dark, but only when they're in a crowd.
    • Imagine lighting up only when everyone brings their own torch!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Quorum Sensing Bacteria’s Secret Communication

Word Count Emoji
421 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Introduction

  • 🎤 Quorum Sensing: It's like a bacterial group chat!
  • Quorum: Minimum number of members needed for a decision.
    • Example: 2/3 of UN Security Council members needed for a meeting.
  • 🦠 Bacteria's version of a quorum: Quorum Sensing.

What's quorum sensing?

  • Bacterial Signals
    • Bacteria release signalling molecules.
    • Think of it as the bacteria sending text messages 📱.
  • Reading the Message
    • These molecules drift and bind to receptors in other cells.
    • Like reading a notification on your phone.
  • Response to the Group Chat
    • When enough signals are received, the cell's gene expression changes.
    • It's like getting many likes on a post and deciding to post more.
  • Counting the Group Size
    • As bacterial population increases, more signalling happens.
    • When enough bacteria agree, they collectively change their activity.
    • "Hey, there's enough of us here. Let's do something cool!"

Why Is this interaction important?

  • Bacteria rely on each other for certain tasks. They are the ultimate team players 🤝.
  • Example 1: Dental Bacteria
    • High numbers ➡️ they secrete a glue-like substance.
    • Creates a biofilm layer on teeth (this is why you should brush!).
  • Example 2: Bioluminescence
    • Bacteria glow in the dark, but only when they're in a crowd.
    • Imagine lighting up only when everyone brings their own torch!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟