Origin of complexity in multicellular organisms

Phys Rev Lett. 2000 Jun 26;84(26 Pt 1):6130-3. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.6130.

Abstract

Through extensive studies of dynamical system modeling cellular growth and reproduction, we find evidence that complexity arises in multicellular organisms naturally through evolution. Without any elaborate control mechanism, these systems can exhibit complex pattern formation with spontaneous cell differentiation. Such systems employ a "cooperative" use of resources and maintain a larger growth speed than simple cell systems, which exist in a homogeneous state and behave "selfishly." The relevance of the diversity of chemicals and reaction dynamics to the growth of a multicellular organism is demonstrated. Chaotic biochemical dynamics are found to provide the multipotency of stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Stem Cells / cytology