Acetyl-L-homoserine lactone belongs to the family of N-acylated homoserine lactones (HSLs) and has an acyl chain length of two carbons. HSLs perform a role in quorum sensing; however, unlike other HSLs, acetyl-L-homoserine lactone does not elicit a response in bacteria. In an assay of carbapenem antibiotic biosynthesis, acetyl-L-homoserine lactone does not induce a response in E. carotovora. In a fluorescence assay using E. coli containing a reporter plasmid of GFP expression in response to exogenous HSLs, acetyl-L-homoserine does not elicit GFP production.