Which of the following is characteristic of complex multicellularity?

a. All cells are exposed to an exterior surface.

b. The interior cells are exposed to a different physical and chemical environment than the exterior cells.

c. All cells express the same genes.

d. All cells are exposed to an interior surface.

e. All of the above are true.

Question

Ryan Barron

Biology

28 February, 16:09

Which of the following is characteristic of complex multicellularity?

a. All cells are exposed to an exterior surface.

b. The interior cells are exposed to a different physical and chemical environment than the exterior cells.

c. All cells express the same genes.

d. All cells are exposed to an interior surface.

e. All of the above are true.

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Kelvin Williamson · Answer 1

The correct answer is option b. "The interior cells are exposed to a different physical and chemical environment than the exterior cells".

Explanation:

Complex multicellularity is a characteristic that large organisms comprised of thousands of cells posses. The organisms with complex multicellularity have their cells organized into different tissues in a three dimensional arrangement, that often involves the development of organs. One characteristic of complex multicellularity is that the interior cells are exposed to a different physical and chemical environment than the exterior cells. For instance, skin cells have adapted to serve as a barrier to pathogen and environmental conditions, while blood cells have adapted to transport nutrients and serve in the immune system.