Autoinducer
Autoinducer (pronunciation: /ɔːtoʊˈɪndjuːsər/) is a term used in Microbiology and Molecular Biology to refer to a signaling molecule that is produced by bacteria to communicate with each other and coordinate their behavior. This process is known as Quorum Sensing.
Etymology
The term "autoinducer" is derived from the Greek word "auto" meaning self, and the Latin word "inducere" meaning to lead or bring in. It was first used in the context of bacterial communication in the 1970s.
Function
Autoinducers are secreted by bacteria into their environment. When the concentration of autoinducers reaches a certain threshold, it triggers a response in the bacterial population, leading to changes in gene expression. This allows bacteria to coordinate their behavior and act as a group, which can be beneficial in various situations such as Biofilm formation or Pathogenesis.
Types of Autoinducers
There are several types of autoinducers, including:
- Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHLs): These are used by Gram-negative bacteria.
- Autoinducing Peptides (AIPs): These are used by Gram-positive bacteria.
- Autoinducer-2 (AI-2): This is a universal autoinducer that can be recognized by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autoinducer
- Wikipedia's article - Autoinducer
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