MULTICELLULAR Meaning and
Definition
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Multicellular is an adjective that describes an organism or organism structure composed of multiple cells. It refers to the characteristic of an organism having more than one cell. The term is primarily used in biology to distinguish organisms that have cells organized into distinct tissue types, from those that consist of only a single cell, such as bacteria or most protists.
In multicellular organisms, cells work cooperatively and specialize in different functions, allowing for more complex and diverse biological functions. These organisms can range from simple multicellular organisms, such as sponges or algae, to highly complex organisms like humans.
The cells in multicellular organisms are interconnected and communicate with each other through various processes, including chemical signaling. This communication between cells is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, coordinating growth and development, and responding to external stimuli.
Multicellularity has evolved independently in different lineages throughout the history of life on Earth. It is considered a significant evolutionary advancement as it allows for increased size, specializations, and complexity in biological systems. The complexity afforded by multicellularity enables organisms to adapt to a wider range of environments and carry out more sophisticated functions, such as locomotion, reproduction, and complex sensory perception.
Overall, multicellular organisms are characterized by their cellular organization, intercellular communication, and the ability to perform intricate and specialized functions through the cooperation of their constituent cells.
Common Misspellings for MULTICELLULAR
Etymology of MULTICELLULAR
The word "multicellular" is derived from two Latin roots: "multi-" and "cellula".
The prefix "multi-" comes from the Latin word "multus", which means "many" or "much". It is used to indicate the presence of multiple or many things.
The term "cellula" is a diminutive form of the Latin word "cella", which means "small room" or "cell". In biology, a cell refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Therefore, combining the prefix "multi-" and the Latin word "cellula" gives us "multicellular", which refers to an organism or structure made up of many cells.
Similar spelling words for MULTICELLULAR
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