Cellular Cooperation: Get Answers to Your Questions

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The discussion revolves around the concept of single-celled organisms that can function independently or collaboratively, specifically when grouped in threes. A user seeks clarification on whether such a species exists, expressing confusion over the question posed by a friend. Suggestions include Volvox and Dictyostelium, which exhibit some level of cooperation but do not perfectly fit the three-cell model described. The conversation touches on the idea of endosymbiosis, referencing organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts, which operate within a cell but do not represent the cooperative behavior of three separate cells. The inquiry highlights a curiosity about cellular organization and cooperation in biology, while acknowledging the complexity of multicellular associations.
confused2008
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Hi,
Im new to this and i have a random question?
A friend of mine asked me if there is a single cell species which on it own functions like a single cell but when say for example 3 of them get together they take 1/3 of the workload and together function as a single cell. The cells after a while split up and function individualy again.
I am totally baffled by this question and am looking for a wity answer. ;)
Please could you help.
 
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Maybe he wants you to help him do his homewrk.
 
Thanks for the reply.
Probably, but he didn't mention homework and i am quite currious about it myself. i have been working through the single cell information database on the net and have had no luck so i was looking for some advice on where to look.
 
Volvox immediately comes to mind, as does Dictyostelium and (at a higher level of organization) Siphonophorae.
 
These are not involved in some 3 celled cooperative complex. there are plenty of multicellular associations - even between diverse organisms (e.g lichens). Just can't see one 3 cells in complexity short of one involving an endosymbiotic interpretation of intracellular organellles,
 
Thank you for your reply's. I do understand that there are many multicellular complexes I was just using 3 cells as an example. The endosymbiotic interpetation are you referring to is like mitochondria in eukaryotic cells I guess?
 
yup - mitochondria, chloroplast, etc - maybe stretch it to include plasmids and lysogeny (?)..
 

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