Cell structure and metabolism

S. typhimurium are able to secrete small signaling molecules called autoinducers. The LuxS gene is responsible for initiating a series of phosphate transfer reactions that produce this molecule and allow for cell to cell communication. Sugar compounds, preferably glucose, activate LuxS and the resulting autoinducer concentration increases with the bacterial concentration till the substrate is depleted. At this point the autoinducer is degraded and can be recycled by the bacterial cell. This quorum sensing allows cells to determine the metabolic potential of the environment