Cheating on the Edge
Author Information
Author(s): Dugatkin Lee Alan, Dugatkin Aaron D., Atlas Ronald M., Perlin Michael H.
Primary Institution: University of Louisville
Hypothesis
How do producers and nonproducers coexist in bacterial populations under antibiotic pressure?
Conclusion
Nonproducers are typically found on the edges of clusters of producers, which affects their survival in antibiotic environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Producers secrete substances that help them and others survive antibiotics.
- Nonproducers die when surrounded by other nonproducers.
- The model shows that nonproducers often occupy the edges of producer clusters.
Takeaway
In a model of bacteria, the ones that help others survive better, while the ones that don't help often end up on the edges and struggle to survive.
Methodology
An individual agent-based model was used to simulate interactions between producers and nonproducers in a bacterial population.
Limitations
The model only examines two strategies and does not account for the evolution of costs and benefits themselves.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website