SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR OF MICROBIAL-POPULATIONS

This paper covers the recent data on the biosocial interactions of mic robial cells in populations. These interactions are considered in term s of general ethological and sociobiological concepts such as agonisti c behaviour, affiliation, cooperation and coordination. Microbial soci al behaviour exemplified by the interactions among individuals in the supraorganismic structures of myxobacteria, Proteus mirabilis, Escheri chia coli, myxomycetes and Fungi is compared (i) to the cell behaviour involved in the development of animal embryos and immune responses of multicellular organisms and (ii) to the collective behaviour of highe r animals in groups or communities. Special attention is given to the biotechnological implications of microbial sociality.