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Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection
Published on: November 18, 2022
Kin discrimination and cooperation in microbes.
Joan E Strassmann1, Owen M Gilbert, David C Queller
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA. strassm@rice.edu
Annual Review of Microbiology
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Microbes cooperate through costly behaviors, favoring kin selection. Discrimination often targets "kinds," not just kin, enhancing cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microbial cooperation is crucial for survival and resource acquisition.
- Kin selection theory explains the evolution of altruistic behaviors.
- Microbes engage in various cooperative actions like biofilm formation and nutrient sharing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms of kin recognition in microbial communities.
- To understand how discrimination among non-kin can facilitate cooperation.
- To investigate the role of 'kind' discrimination in microbial social evolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microbial cooperation and kin recognition.
- Analysis of examples such as bacteriocin systems and cell adhesion.
- Theoretical considerations based on kin selection and inclusive fitness.
Main Results:
- Microbial cooperation involves costly behaviors benefiting neighbors.
- Discrimination is often based on 'kind' rather than strict 'kinship'.
- Systems like bacteriocins and adhesion promote self-group recognition.
Conclusions:
- Kind discrimination, not just kin recognition, is a key driver of microbial cooperation.
- These discrimination mechanisms can increase genetic relatedness within groups.
- This facilitates the evolution and maintenance of cooperative behaviors in microbial populations.
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