Origin of complexity in multicellular organisms

C Furusawa1, K Kaneko

  • 1Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.

Physical Review Letters
|September 16, 2000
PubMed
Summary

This study explores how complex multicellular life emerges naturally through evolution. By using mathematical models, the researchers show that organisms can develop intricate structures and specialized cell types without needing complex internal control systems. These multicellular groups grow faster than simple, individual cells by sharing resources cooperatively. The findings also suggest that chaotic chemical processes within cells are responsible for the flexible potential of stem cells.

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