Olfactory mechanisms of kin recognition

Olfactory Mechanisms of Kin Recognition Kin Recognition-Olfactory Systems Two major molecules appear to play a role in kin recognition Kin recognition|via the olfactory system Olfactory system.|The first, and most controversial, is the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Major histocompatibility complex. This molecule controls leukocyte formation in the body, and the molecule’s epitome can distinguish various molecules as “self” or “non-self”. While many studies suggest that organisms try to find a mate to create heterozygous offspring at the MHC-loci, and thus improve immune function, a better explanation may be that the MHC-loci is used to distinguish kin versus non-kin. The MHC molecule influences an animal's odor, and olfactory-like receptor genes have been found to link to MHC-receptor loci. MHC is polymorphic (meaning, the molecule can take on many different forms) and thus has the capability to produce very specific odors Additionally, mice and rats have the olfactory acuity...