Biology/..........
Advertisement
Question
Is there any division of labor among the cells of a colony?If you find division of labor among the cells and tissue what level of cellular organization is it?
Please reply me as soon as possible coz i have to submit my homework by tomorrow.
Thanking you,
The straightforward answer to your question is no; a colonial organism features cells of the same species that perform independent functions but for mutual benefit, and they do this without an extensive division of labor. Now, with multicellular organisms that live in colonies, there is very much a division of labor (think of an ant colony, in which multiple defined roles exist for the individual ants). An example of a colonial organism is Volvox; all the cells of Volvox serve the same purpose and, if separated, can survive on their own. Compare sponges, which are the simplest form of multicellular organism now in existence; their cells have specialized functions, and if these cells are separated from the sponge as a whole, they will not survive. If you were to find a division of labor among a group of cells, this represents a tissue; tissues consist of multiple cells types with distinct functions that serve a common purpose.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
Experience
I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.