Vom Ein- zum Vielzeller — Cyanobakterien als Modellsystem

Abstract

AbstractThe evolution of multicellularity is an example of an evolutionary transition in individuality (ETI). As in other ETIs, independent units form new reproducing entities — the first step en route to higher complexity. How and why this happens, is not clear. Using cyanobacteria, we study the ETI to multicellularity by combining experimental evolution, phylogenetics, and theory. Our results feature phenotypic plasticity and (functional) differentiation of single cells as a first step of an ETI.