Cooperation and conflict in quorum-sensing bacterial populations
Diggle SP, Griffin AS, Campbell GS, West SA · Nature 2007
Experimental (in vitro)
Key finding
Quorum sensing itself is a cooperative behaviour that can be exploited by signal-blind cheats.
In plain language
Shows the conversation can be freeloaded on. Some bacteria stop paying the cost of signalling but still benefit from everyone else's coordination.
How much weight this carries
Repeatedly demonstrated, with agreement across independent groups.
Cite or read it
Diggle SP, Griffin AS, Campbell GS, West SA (2007). Cooperation and conflict in quorum-sensing bacterial populations. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06279