Why Is Quorum Sensing Advantageous to Bacteria When They Are

question 26

Multiple Choice

Why is quorum sensing advantageous to bacteria when they are forming a biofilm?

• A) Larger numbers of bacteria reduce the competition between the bacteria for resources.
• B) Bacteria must produce components of a biofilm. It is a waste of energy if they produce those components when there are not enough bacteria present to produce a biofilm resistant to physical forces.
• C) Enough weak bacteria need to be present so that they can be killed and used as nutrients for the strong bacteria.
• D) It is easier for proper bacterial mating types to contact each other and sexually reproduce when there are larger numbers of bacteria present.

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