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Abstract
Quorum sensing, or the control of gene expression in response to cell density, is
used by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria to regulate a variety of physiological
functions. In all cases, quorum sensing involves the production and detection of extracellular
signalling molecules called autoinducers. While universal signalling themes exist,
variations in the design of the extracellular signals, the signal detection apparatuses,
and the biochemical mechanisms of signal relay have allowed quorum sensing systems
to be exquisitely adapted for their varied uses. Recent studies show that quorum sensing
modulates both intra- and inter-species cell-cell communication, and it plays a major
role in enabling bacteria to architect complex community structures.