Question

Which of the following best describes cell communication processes that are present in bacteria, yeast, and multicellular organisms?
They carry out synaptic signaling, in which neurotransmitters are released and cause a response in nearby target cells.
They have gap junctions that allow molecules to pass through the cell wall without having to cross the cell membrane.
They produce hormones, which travel to neighboring cells and carry out local regulation processes.
They release chemical messengers to communicate with cells they may or may not be in direct contact with.

Answer 1

Answer:

They release chemical messengers to communicate with cells they may or may not be in direct contact with.

Explanation:

Unicellular organisms such as bacteria or yeast, 'talk' to each other through the release of chemicals. In bacteria, this is known as quorum sensing which allows them to determine the surrounding bacterial population density. In yeast, one of the more popular pathways is known as the mating factor pathway, which allow the organisms to find mates. Whereas, in multicellular organisms (such as humans), this chemical release allows for cell-cell co-ordination which keeps the system functioning correctly.