Ch. 16 Microbial Life: Prokaryotes and Protists

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 16 Microbial Life: Prokaryotes and Protists

Problem 9

Chapter 16, Problem 9

What characteristic distinguishes true multicellularity from colonies of cells?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of multicellularity: True multicellularity refers to organisms composed of multiple cells that are specialized and interdependent, working together to perform specific functions.

Compare with colonies of cells: Colonies are groups of cells that live together but do not exhibit significant specialization or interdependence. Each cell in a colony can often survive and function independently.

Identify the key characteristic: True multicellularity is distinguished by cellular differentiation, where cells take on specialized roles (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells) and cannot survive independently outside the organism.

Consider interdependence: In true multicellularity, cells rely on each other for survival and proper functioning, forming a cohesive organism. In contrast, cells in a colony are loosely associated and can often separate without harm.

Summarize the distinction: The defining characteristic of true multicellularity is the presence of specialized, interdependent cells that work together as part of a single organism, unlike colonies where cells remain largely independent.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

True Multicellularity

True multicellularity refers to an advanced form of organization where cells are specialized and work together to perform distinct functions. In true multicellular organisms, cells communicate and coordinate their activities, leading to the development of complex structures and systems, such as tissues and organs, which are essential for survival and reproduction.

Cell Specialization

Cell specialization is the process by which generic cells develop into distinct cell types with specific functions. In multicellular organisms, this specialization allows for the division of labor, where different cells perform unique roles, such as muscle contraction, nutrient absorption, or immune response, contributing to the overall efficiency and adaptability of the organism.

Colony vs. Multicellularity

Colonies of cells consist of groups of individual cells that live together but do not exhibit the level of integration seen in true multicellular organisms. In colonies, cells may share resources and provide some level of cooperation, but they remain largely independent and lack specialized functions, which distinguishes them from the highly coordinated and interdependent nature of true multicellularity.

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Unicellular vs. Multicellular

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following members of the SAR supergroup is incorrectly paired with its clade?

a. Stramenopiles—brown algae

b. Alveolates—parasites such as Plasmodium

c. Alveolates—dinoflagellates

d. Rhizaria—diatoms

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Textbook Question

Which of the following prokaryotes is not pathogenic?

a. Chlamydia

b. Rhizobium

c. Streptococcus

d. Salmonella

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Textbook Question

Explain why prokaryote populations can adapt rapidly to changes in their environment.

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Textbook Question

Chlamydomonas is a unicellular green alga. How does it differ from a photosynthetic bacterium, which is also single-celled? How does it differ from a protozoan, such as an amoeba? How does it differ from larger green algae, such as sea lettuce (Ulva)?

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Textbook Question

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be killed only by prolonged heating at temperatures considerably above boiling. This suggests that tetanus bacteria

a. Have cell walls containing peptidoglycan.

b. Secrete endotoxins.

c. Are autotrophic.

d. Produce endospores.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following experiments could test the hypothesis that bacteria cause ulcers in humans? (Assume each experiment includes a control group.) Explain what evidence would be provided by the results of the experiment.

a. Identify the microbes found in the stomachs of ulcer patients.

b. Treat a group of ulcer patients with antibiotics.

c. Place a group of ulcer patients on a strict low-acid diet.

d. Obtain stomach fluid from ulcer patents and feed it to mice.

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