Spiteful interactions between sympatric natural isolates of Xenorhabdus bovienii benefit kin and reduce virulence.

Abstract excerpt

Spite occurs when an individual harms itself in the act of harming others. Spiteful behaviour may be more pervasive in nature than commonly thought. One of the clearest examples of spite is the costly production and release of bacteriocins, antimicrobial toxins noted for their ability to kill conspecifics. A key question is to what extent these toxins provide a fitness advantage to kin of the producer cell,...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Adaptation, Biological
• Share to Analysis of Variance
• Share to Bacteriocins