Algal Phototaxis and the Evolution of Multicellularity

Explore a fascinating scientific lecture examining the evolutionary transition from single-celled to multicellular organisms through the lens of volvocine algae. Delve into groundbreaking experimental and theoretical research on phototaxis mechanisms across three volvocine algae species, spanning three orders of magnitude in cell number. Learn how these organisms, despite lacking nervous systems and intercellular connections, achieve steering through individual cell responses to light. Discover the evolutionarily conserved dynamics and the critical relationship between adaptive flagellar response timescales and microorganism spinning frequencies. Presented by Professor Raymond Goldstein from the University of Cambridge, gain valuable insights into the implications of these findings for understanding the evolution of multicellularity in living organisms.