Looking Outside the Box: A Comparative Cross-Kingdom View on the Cell Biology of the Three Major Lineages of Eukaryotic Multicellular Life

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-07-07
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Summary

This research provides a comprehensive comparison of cell structures and functions across animals, plants, and fungi, highlighting how these major groups of complex life have evolved different cellular solutions to similar challenges. The study reveals both shared features and important differences in how cells are organized and function across these groups. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps understand why certain medicines or treatments may work differently in humans versus plants or fungi – Provides insights for developing better agricultural practices and crop protection strategies – Contributes to our understanding of human diseases by comparing cellular processes across different life forms – Aids in developing new biotechnology applications by understanding cellular differences – Supports conservation efforts by highlighting the unique biological features of different life forms

Background

Cell biology textbooks often present facts in a human/animal-focused manner, reflecting both unequally distributed research activities and a generally homocentric worldview. This bias provides a skewed knowledge of cell biology that often persists throughout scientists’ careers. There is a need for a more balanced and holistic view of eukaryotic cell biology across the three major kingdoms of multicellular life – animals, plants and fungi.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive comparative cross-kingdom analysis of basic cell biology across animals, plants and fungi, highlighting essential differences in cellular structures and processes between these phyla. The review focuses on key dissimilarities in cellular organization, composition, and important cellular processes.

Results

The study revealed numerous key differences between kingdoms in cellular features including: cell size and shape variations, distinct extracellular matrices, different types of cell junctions, kingdom-specific organelles, varying lipid compositions, distinct cytoskeletal elements, and major differences in cellular processes like transport, division, and signal transduction. A comprehensive comparison table was created documenting the key differences across kingdoms.

Conclusion

While many cellular features and functions are shared between the three kingdoms, important details differ significantly. Current cell biology research and teaching shows an animal-centric bias that obscures the full diversity and beauty of cell biology. This comparative analysis provides a more balanced view of cellular structures and functions across kingdoms, which is important for understanding biodiversity and addressing global challenges.

Published in:Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1007/s00018-023-04843-3