Quorum Sensing
A system of cell-to-cell communication that enables bacteria to coordinate group behavior based on population density. Bacteria release signaling molecules that trigger collective actions only when concentration exceeds a threshold.
Biological Context
Vibrio fischeri only produces bioluminescence when population density is high enough for the light to be useful. Pathogenic bacteria often use quorum sensing to coordinate virulence—waiting until numbers are sufficient to overwhelm host defenses. Quorum sensing enables sophisticated collective behavior in organisms without nervous systems.
Business Application
Organizational quorum sensing: behaviors that emerge only when team size or customer base reaches critical thresholds. Slack adoption in a company follows quorum sensing—individual use is pointless; collective use creates value. Network products require quorum to function.