Module 4 Flashcards
What is a molecular clock used for?
- DNA & protein sequences change through mutation over time
- longer periods = more change
- we estimate mutation rate & therefore the time of the last common ancestor of extant species
- fossil record is used to “calibrate” molecular clock
ESTIMATES TIME OF DIVERGENCE OF PLANTS & ANIMALS
How many times has multicellularity evolved independently?
at least 6 times
fungi (x2)
animals
green algae
brown algae
red algae
Fossil evidence for multicellularity arose when?
about 600 mya
Propose possible steps leading to multicellularity
- aggregation of cells into a cluster
- intercellular communication within the cluster
- specialisation of some cells within the cluster (cooperation)
- organization of specialised cells into groups (tissues)
A TRANSITION TO MULTICELLULARITY ALSO RESULTS IN INDIVIDUAL CELLS LOSING THE ABILITY TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY
Possible first multicellular animal
placazoans
What are consequences of multicellularity?
- allows for more specialized systems
- e.g. in volvox
- outer cells have coordinated flagella for movement
- outer cells create an inner space to protect reproductive cells
- big inner cells are specialized for reproduction
- leads to change in size too (not prey to certain predators)
- FUNCTIONAL SPECIALIZATION (e.g. cells work in unison e.g. beating of flagella)
What does multicellularity enable?
- cell specialization allows cells to adopt new functions
- integration & cooperation b/w cells allowing for development of tissues & organs
- structurally & functionally complex bodies
- creation of a stable internal env.
- increase in size
- more efficient gathering of resources & adapting to specific environments
How do multicellular organisms develop?
develop from zygote as a result of embryogenesis
- during embryogenesis there are multiple rounds of cell division producing specific cell types along major spatial axes
Describe the pattern of cell fate
it is highly ordered & reflects the position of cells in the developing embryo - instructive cues (cytoplasmic factors / cell signalling molecules
- change in cell potency
Each cell has the same set of genes so how do they become so different?
cell properties are determined by the subset of genes that are expressed - therefore, the specification of cell fate involves gene regulation
Which essential genes are expressed in every cell?
housekeeping genes
What is morphogenesis?
- process by which cells & tissues organize & arrange themselves to create the final form of the body
Outline key processes in morphogenesis
- division
- changing shape (expansion)
- moving (not seen in plant embryogenesis)
- adhering to one another (not seen in plant embryogenesis)
- death (apoptosis)
Define body plan
general structure of organism, arrangement of organs systems, integrated functioning of its parts
How can you categorize body plan in animals?
according to symmetry, body cavity structure, segmentation, type of appendages, & type of nervous system
Describe body plan in plants
- body plan is modular
- aerial structures (shoot)- subterranean structures (roots) have a modular arrangement of organs (phytomers / rhizomers)
- plants have a radial arrangement of tissue types
Difference in growth b/w plants & animals
animals = determinate growth (predetermined body form)
plants = flexible body form - most plant development occurs after embryogenesis
Challenges faced by multicellular organisms
- surface area to vol ratio of a multicellular organism is SMALL
- distance of internal cells to external env. is LARGE
SOLUTIONs to large size of cells of multicellular organisms
- close to external env. so diffusion occurs directly
- might have central cavity which brins ex env into the animal
- large surface area of exchange organs (long, flat, folded, branched)
- thin surface area with small diffusion distances –> ensures maximal rate of exchange
- circulatory system solves diffusion limit (movement of extracellular fluids around body – maintains high concentration gradients for diffusion)
Difference b/w transport systems of animals & plants
- circulatory systems of animals - active (pumps)
- transport system of plants - passive
What solves the diffusion limit?
- a circulatory system
- movement of extracellular fluids around the body to ensure exchanged substances from exchange organs reach cells of body (BULK FLOW)
- maintains high concentration gradients for diffusion
To maintain a high level of metabolism large multicellular organisms. . .
- need highly branched internal transport system
- rapid movement of exchange substances
- considerable force required to move fluids through these transport systems
Examples of cells in multicellular organisms communicating
- through use of INTERCELLULAR SIGNALLING
- conveying positional info during development
- maintaining a stable internal env (homeostasis)
- ensuring cells work in unison (beating of Volvox flagella)
- physical / chemical signals arising from external env.
chemical signals
can activate receptors on nearby cells (e.g. ligans) or secreted into bloodstream & activate cells throughout body (e.g. hormones)
electrical signals
passed long distances very rapidly via neurons to very specific targets
Adaptations of plants to a sedentary lifestyle
- have organ systems that allow them to capture limited resources (root + shoot system)
- grow continuously to exploit new areas & respond to environmental cues (primary vs secondary growth)
Adaptation of root system
primary vs lateral roots
- absorbing water & mineral nutrients
- anchorage, storage, transport, hormones
Adaptation of shoot system
- photosynthesis & gas exchange
- hormones
- reproduction
primary growth of plants
longitudinal
secondary growth
radially
What is continuous growth associated with in plants?
repeated formation of modules (phytomers)
– includes the leaf, axillary bud, & internode
Differences b/w plant & animal cells
- plants have large vacuole but animals lack vacuoles
- plants are immobile but animal cells are mobile
- plants have cell walls, animals do not
Describe the plant cell walls
semi-rigid cell wall composed of cellulose fibers
Describe the outside of animal cells
surrounded by an extracellular matrix with collagen & proteoglycans as major components
Functions of plant cell wall
- provides semi-rigid support
- provides a barrier to prevent infection
- contributes to plant form by growing as plant cell grows
Plant cell wall molecular structure
- primary cell wall is composed of polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, & pectin
- cellulose fibrils are formed via H bonds
- extremely high tensile strength
Where else is pectin found in plant cells?
a major component of the middle lamella
If plant cells are surrounded by a semi-rigid cell wall, how do they grow?
- cell takes up water
- vacuole expands
- increase in turgor pressure
- cell expansion resisted by cell wall
- increased turgor pressure triggers release of enzymes to soften wall