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Why do cells need to communicate with other cells in a multicellular organism?
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cell
Artist's conception of a human neuron.
In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to coordinate their activities and function as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of independent parts. This communication is essential for several fundamental biological processes:12
- Development and Differentiation: During embryonic development, cells must form in the correct place, at the right time, and in the proper proportions. Through cell-to-cell communication, cells detect chemical signals that inform them of their position, triggering the activation of specific genes that guide their differentiation into specialized roles.3
- Tissue Organization: Cells use surface proteins to recognize and adhere to one another and the extracellular matrix. This allows them to assemble into specialized tissues and maintain distinct populations, which is vital for the formation and function of both embryonic and adult tissues.1
- Integrated Behavior: To sustain the life of the organism, the behavior of individual cells must be integrated. Cells cooperate by exchanging chemical or electrical signals, which allows them to act together in a regulated fashion. This cooperation extends to the interaction between tissues, which form organs capable of performing the complex functions necessary for the organism's survival.142