Cultones are specialized, often highly aromatic compounds produced by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and some plants. They play essential roles in microbial communication, specifically in quorum sensing, which allows bacteria to coordinate their behavior based on population density. These signaling molecules help bacteria regulate processes like biofilm formation, virulence factor production, and antibiotic resistance.

In addition to their biological significance, cultones have applications in various industries. In the field of agriculture, they can be used to influence plant growth and help in biocontrol, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. In medicine, cultones are being researched for their potential to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens by disrupting bacterial communication.