Most multicellular organisms use chemical communication between cells due to the limitations of electrical impulses, ensuring broader communication beyond cells connected by nervous tissue and allowing for sustained signaling.
What alternative means of communication between cells do most multicellular organisms use, and why is it mentioned in the paragraph?
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Most multicellular organisms use chemical signaling as an alternative means of communication between cells. In chemical signaling, cells release signaling molecules (such as hormones) that travel through bodily fluids to target cells with matching receptors. This method allows for widespread and systemic coordination of physiological responses, compensating for the limitations of electrical impulses, such as the refractory period. Chemical signaling ensures comprehensive and sustained communication, enabling multicellular organisms to adapt to diverse and changing environments. It is mentioned in the paragraph to highlight the complementary role of chemical signaling in achieving widespread and enduring cellular communication.