BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit

Illuminate Cell Signaling Through Vibrio Quorum Sensing

The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit* brings cellular communication to light through the captivating natural phenomena of quorum sensing and bioluminescence. The kit allows students to explore the Lux signaling pathway in Vibrio bacteria and witness firsthand how bacteria “talk” to each other. This inquiry-based activity combines hands-on co-plating experiments and modeling exercises to fit easily into your high school or college curriculum.

“This kit works perfectly as an inquiry-based activity. Students don't know which bacterial strain is which—they must figure it out themselves. It sparks active discussion about what's happening in the signaling pathway.” — Diana Wai, Diamond Bar High School, Diamond Bar, CA

Real Communication You Can See

Quorum sensing is how certain bacteria use cell signaling to sense population density and coordinate group behaviors. The Lux pathway in Vibrio is one of the best-studied examples, producing a bright bioluminescence that makes signaling easy to observe. The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit brings this classic pathway into the classroom as a safe, teacher-friendly, hands-on teaching tool where students don’t just learn about cell signaling — they see it in action.​

“The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit allows students to visualize cell signaling.” — Holly Currie, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD

Instant Student Engagement

Can a signaling molecule from one Vibrio strain diffuse and activate bioluminescence in another? Time-lapse video (24 hr) of a co-plating lab activity in the BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit. A wild-type strain (top) grows until the cell density becomes sufficient for quorum sensing and the production of bioluminescence. A mutant strain (bottom) grows at the same rate but cannot initiate signal transduction until it receives the signaling molecule (ligand) from the wild-type strain.

The activity workflow incorporates modeling the Lux pathway and co-plating experiments using three Vibrio strains and a chemical inhibitor. As the bacteria glow with their bioluminescent response, students experience unforgettable “aha” moments that deepen understanding and turn concepts into discoveries.

Students will:

• Investigate real bacterial behavior — not a simulation
• Explore a complete cell signaling pathway — from ligand release and reception, through signal transduction and response ​
• Use models and experimental results to construct claims — practice CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning)​
• Connect cell signaling to real-world applications — why do researchers study quorum sensing?​

Classroom-Safe. Teacher-Friendly.

Designed with biosafety and ease of use in mind, this kit uses non-pathogenic Vibrio strains that were developed to require specific nutrients to grow (auxotrophy). You see vibrant, glowing results from a bacterial system that is safe for students and the environment.

Classroom-Ready Features

• Non-pathogenic, auxotrophic V. campbellii strains — safe for the classroom and the environment
• No special imaging or culturing equipment needed — can be used in any teaching environment
• One agar medium for all activities — simplifies preparation, allows workflow flexibility

Curriculum-Focused Features

• Flexible workflows — versatile kit components, workflows, and choice of pathway detail allow easy customization
• Standards-aligned curriculum — students gain skills and knowledge they need for assessments and beyond
• Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) integration — incorporates research-based best teaching practices to build student understanding

Aligned with AP Biology, IB Biology, and Next Generation Science Standards^** (NGSS)

The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit is designed for high school and college courses in biology, cell biology, and microbiology.

• AP Biology: Science Practices 1.A-C, 2.A-D, 3.A-D, 6.A-E; Units 1.7, 2.2-2.4, 2.6, 3.1, 4.1-4.4, 5.5, 6.3-6.7, 8.1
• NGSS: HS-LS-2-3, HS-LS3-1, HS-LS4-5; LS1.A-B, LS3.A-B; SEP1-4, 6-8; CCC2, 4, 6-7
• IB Biology: A2.2, B1.2, B2.1, B4.1, C1.1, C2.1, D1.1, D1.2, D.2.2

It supports essential science practices such as:

• Developing and using models
• Planning and conducting investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Explaining phenomena using evidence

Resources and Support

• BacTalk Cell Signaling YouTube Playlist —videos from scientists, plus real-world footage of bioluminescence in nature
• Free downloadable Instructor and Student Guides that incorporate suggestions for Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL)

*Patent pending

**Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.​