„Small Talk“

The silent communication of bacteria

Bacteria communicate via small diffusible molecules, a process that microbiologists refer to as quorum sensing. These language molecules are released by the bacteria in the environment and are then sensed by their neighbours via specific receptors. Thus, the community can arrange and adapt specific phenotypes in dependence on the cell count termed quorum. Due to the different structures and modifications of the communication molecules bacteria have evolved different languages and dialects, which can in addition give information about time and venue. Moreover, bacteria have small talk with their hosts such as animals, plants and yet humans. Since communication is a prerequisite for the infection of hosts by pathogenic bacteria, the molecular components of the bacterial communication are promising candidates as targets for badly needed new antimicrobial drugs.