cell being part of a multicellular organisms

[Tina Hakola]

what are the advantages and disadvantages to an individual cell of being part of a multicellular organisma?

[thank.darwin]

Well I will list a few points and let some other members join in too... When a cell is part of a multicellular group, the necessary tasks of everyday existence can be done by specific cells - Some cells do one thing while other cells help complete another task. This makes it easy for a cell because it can depend on other cells for certain tasks. The cells in the group split up the work and thus benefit from being in a multicellular group.

- thank.darwin

[Tina Hakola]

Thanks for your quick response

[mith]

Think about humans and how they are independent and interdependent. Independence allows more freedom, more choices etc...interdendence increases efficiency. The problem is interdependence is dependent(what other word could I use ) on many different uncontrollable factors.For example, the ameba can do all the independent functions required to live. Compare that to a neuron which must have nutrients supplied to it by other cells.

[Sinead Ryan]

Cells that form a multicellular organism become specialised and are able to focus on one function because other cells are responcible for the other functions. This also increases the efficiency....

[MrMistery]

Think of it as a factory where each emplee does somwthing in order to produce the product. It is much more efficient this way and it can produse many products, but if you used to work for that company and get fired, can you make that product by yourself?

[Tina Hakola]

THanks to all you all answered great. Smart people in this site. Thanks again

[ScienceNerd089]

This question is in my lab manual and I was surfing the web for the answer when I found this site. Thank you, everyone, your answers helped me too.