A possible role for quorum sensing in pathogenicity is that it
A) detects and responds to the pH as an indicator of the environment.
B) delays production of toxins that may alert the host to the presence of the bacteria.
C) monitors and responds to concentrations of ions such as magnesium.
D) senses and responds to the population of phagocytes at the infection site.
E) helps the pathogen escape the adaptive immune response.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quorum sensing can allow bacteria to delay production of toxins or other virulence factors until they have reached a high cell density, allowing them to coordinate their attack on the host and avoid detection by the immune system. This could help bacteria evade the host's defenses and establish a successful infection.

A Possible Role for Quorum Sensing in Pathogenicity Is That