Bioluminescence is controlled by the gene regulatory mechanism called quorum sensing,wherein the
A) depletion of oxygen is detected by an inducer molecule which activates transcription of the lux operon.
B) accumulation of an inducer molecule activates transcription of the lux operon.
C) absence of light activates an inducer molecule which activates transcription of the lux operon.
D) host tissues produce an autoinducer molecule which activates transcription of the lux operon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quorum sensing is a gene regulatory mechanism in which bacterial cells monitor their population density through the accumulation of signal molecules. In the case of bioluminescence, the lux operon is activated when an inducer molecule (usually an acyl-homoserine lactone) accumulates to a certain threshold concentration, indicating the presence of a sufficient number of bacterial cells. Therefore, the correct statement is that the accumulation of an inducer molecule activates transcription of the lux operon.

Bioluminescence Is Controlled by the Gene Regulatory Mechanism Called Quorum