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Small talk: chemical conversations with bacteria

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Abstract

Communication is necessary for the coordination of living systems. Of interest to biochemistry and chemistry students as much as biology students, bacteria employ a variety of chemical signals to communicate among cells of the same species, across bacterial species, and with the human body. This chemical communication is necessary for bacteria to develop structured communities, express virulence, exchange genetic material, and influence human physiology. The roles of N-acyl-homoserine lactones and signal peptides in quorum sensing among bacteria as well as short chain fatty acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters between bacteria and humans are discussed. Possible applications of the manipulation of bacterial chemical communication are also presented.

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    Jeanne Kagle

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Kagle, J. Small talk: chemical conversations with bacteria. ChemTexts 6, 6 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-020-0102-7

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