Cells can receive and send messages as a form of communication for a certain function within an organism to be performed. This function can be related to the regulation of some biochemical process, development of some activity and even when the organism needs to defend itself, escape or adapt quickly to environmental changes.
The ability to send and receive messages is regulated by the cell membrane. An example involves a cell membrane receiving and sending messages occurs in a situation where a tubular worm needs to retreat from a predator. At that moment, the cells communicate to carry out the escape and protection process.
The ability of cells to communicate, that is, receiving and sending signals from and to other cells, determines the interaction between unicellular organisms and regulates the function and development of the body of multicellular organisms. For example, bacteria communicate with each other in the quorum sensing process to determine whether they are sufficient before forming biofilms, while cells in animal embryos communicate to coordinate the process of differentiation into various cell types.
A lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes. Lysosomes are involved with various cell processes. They break down excess or worn-out cell parts. They may be used to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
Controlling the proteins in an organism controls the organism's characteristics because proteins are enzymes, and enzymes catalyze and regulate chemical reactions, and therefore can control certain traits such as color, shape, or even gender.
