The ability of bacteria to recognize kin provides a means to form social groups. In turn these groups can lead to cooperative behaviors that surpass the ability of the individual. Kin recognition involves specific biochemical interactions between a receptor(s) and an identification molecule(s). Recognition specificity, ensuring that nonkin are excluded and kin are included, is critical and depends on the number of loci and polymorphisms involved. After recognition and biochemical perception, the common ensuing cooperative behaviors include biofilm formation, quorum responses, development, and swarming motility. Although kin recognition is a fundamental mechanism through which cells might interact, microbiologists are only beginning to explore the topic. This review considers both molecular and theoretical aspects of bacterial kin recognition. Consideration is also given to bacterial diversity, genetic relatedness, kin selection theory, and mechanisms of recognition.

中文翻译：

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细菌中的亲缘识别

细菌识别亲属的能力为形成社会群体提供了一种手段。反过来，这些群体会导致超越个人能力的合作行为。亲缘识别涉及受体和识别分子之间的特定生化相互作用。识别特异性（确保不包括亲属而包括亲属）是至关重要的，并且取决于所涉及的基因座和多态性的数量。经过识别和生化知觉后，随之而来的常见合作行为包括生物膜形成，群体反应，发育和成群运动。尽管亲属识别是细胞相互作用的基本机制，但微生物学家才刚刚开始探讨这一话题。这篇综述考虑了细菌亲属识别的分子和理论方面。