Question

For many quorum sensing molecules, the autoinducer like acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) is expressed constitutively. What does this mean?

Option 1:
The expression of AHL is regulated based on external stimuli.

Option 2:
AHL is produced only in the presence of specific environmental conditions.

Option 3:
AHL production is continuous and not dependent on external factors.

Option 4:
AHL expression is inhibited under quorum sensing conditions.

Answer 1

AHL's constitutive expression in quorum sensing implicates continuous production without influence from external factors, allowing bacterial populations to effectively communicate and regulate gene expression upon reaching critical cell density.

Step-by-step explanation:

For many quorum sensing molecules, the autoinducer like acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) is expressed constitutively, which means that AHL production is continuous and not dependent on external factors. Constitutive expression denotes a form of gene regulation that is constant and unvarying, regardless of environmental conditions. In the context of quorum sensing, this allows for the accumulation of AHL as the bacterial population increases, ultimately reaching a threshold concentration that triggers a coordinated response and alteration in gene expression amongst the bacterial community.