[Campbell Biology P.662] The text describes 'cheater' Dictyostelium cells that gain a reprod... | Practice Question

The text describes 'cheater' Dictyostelium cells that gain a reproductive advantage by not contributing to the stalk formation. According to the passage, why do noncheating cells prevent the cheaters from dominating the population?

  • A: Noncheating cells produce toxins that specifically target and kill cheater cells.
  • B: Cheaters are unable to form spores effectively, which limits their long-term survival.
  • C: Noncheating cells can recognize a specific surface protein difference in cheaters and preferentially aggregate with other noncheaters.
  • D: Cheating cells are weaker and less motile, making them unable to keep up with noncheating cells during migration.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states: 'Cheating cells lack a specific surface protein, and noncheating cells can recognize this difference. Noncheaters preferentially aggregate with other noncheaters, thus depriving cheaters of the chance to exploit them.' This recognition system is the mechanism by which noncheating cells prevent cheaters from dominating.