What is a molecular clock used for?
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
Possible first multicellular animal
placazoans
What are consequences of multicellularity?
What does multicellularity enable?
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?
Outline key processes in morphogenesis
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
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
SOLUTIONs to large size of cells of multicellular organisms
Difference b/w transport systems of animals & plants
What solves the diffusion limit?
To maintain a high level of metabolism large multicellular organisms. . .
Examples of cells in multicellular organisms communicating
chemical signals
can activate receptors on nearby cells (e.g. ligans) or secreted into bloodstream & activate cells throughout body (e.g. hormones)