Antagonistic Bacterial Interactions in Ant-Microbe Mutualism
Author Information
Author(s): Poulsen Michael, Erhardt Daniel P., Molinaro Daniel J., Lin Ting-Li, Currie Cameron R.
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hypothesis
Conflict within mutually beneficial associations is predicted to destabilize relationships.
Conclusion
Antagonistic interactions between Pseudonocardia symbionts are common and likely shape the dynamics of the ant-microbe mutualism.
Supporting Evidence
- Antagonism was observed in 208 out of 342 pairings of actinomycetes.
- Individual strains inhibited between 21.1% and 89.5% of intruder strains.
- Antagonism was significantly influenced by the genetic distance between strains.
Takeaway
Some bacteria that help ants grow their fungus can fight with each other, which can affect how well the ants and their fungus work together.
Methodology
The study used Petri dish bioassays to evaluate antagonistic interactions between Pseudonocardia strains from different ant colonies.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific strains and may not represent all interactions in the complex ant-microbe system.
Participant Demographics
Strains of Pseudonocardia were isolated from various species of fungus-growing ants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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