Why would it be beneficial for cells to wait until a critical population density is reached before expressing certain genes?
a. Compettion for molecules produced in an area can be fierce. A group of cells of one type will conserve their resources by not producing those molecules until they are the dominant cell type in the ar
b. The population of cells needs to be sure that it can survive in the area first. The cells will direct all of thelr energy into individual survival before turning on certain genes to promote group survival.
c. Secretion of molecules is the most energy-ntensive part of thelr production and use. Cells will want to conserve this energy by only releasing the molecules when there is a good chance of them achlem.
d. Without a certain density, it would be highly unlikely that the molecules produced by a cell in the group could find and bind to other cells of the population effectively.