L1 Intro Flashcards
What are 3 key characteristics of a multicellular system?
cellular differentiation & specialisation eg. excitatory neurons
communication & coordination between cells
Define multicellular systems.
Interaction of cells, tissues & organs withing an organism that supports life
Define differentation.
Process by which unspecialised cells develop into more specialised cells
What is specialisation?
Outcome of differentiation
What are 3 types of interneurons?
Parvalbumin
Somatostatin
Vasoacting intestinal peptide
What are 3 examples of communication/coordination?
Signalling pathways
Exchange of chemical messages
ECM
What are examples of major multicellular models?
c. Elgans, drosophila’s (brain & vision), zebra fish (development due to transparent embryos)
What are 3 main criteria for selecting a model organism?
Genetic similarity
Ease of manipulation
Relevance to research question
What do multicellular systems integrate?
Complexity
What can single cell systems provide?
Insight into fundamental biological composition & processes
What gene in yeast is important for longevity?
sir2 (SIRT1 is human version)
What are 5 advantages of multicellularity?
Division of labour
Increased size
Environmental resilience
Adaptability
Improved reproductive strategies
What are 3 challenges of becoming multicellular?
Cell adhesion
Communication & coordination
Reproductive success
What is Volvox?
Green algae with 000s cells that communicate through their ECM
What did volvox evolve from?
Chlamydomonas
What type of division did volvox cells move to?
Asymmetric division -> differentiation of somatic & germ cells
What does cohesion facilitate?
Better motility & protection
