Tag

Placozoans

All articles tagged with #placozoans

science2 years ago•5 min saved

Ancient Sea Creatures Unveil Origins of Thought and Neurons

A study published in the journal Cell reveals new insights into the evolution of neurons by examining placozoans, millimeter-sized marine animals. Researchers from the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona found that specialized secretory cells in placozoans may have given rise to neurons in more complex animals. The study mapped different placozoan cell types and their gene modules, revealing similarities between peptidergic cells in placozoans and neurons in advanced animals. These findings suggest that the building blocks of neurons were forming 800 million years ago in ancestral animals, and the study raises questions about the evolutionary trajectory of neurons.

via SciTechDaily|

#ancient-origins #cell-types #evolution

science2 years ago•2 min saved

Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Neurons Through Tiny Sea Creatures

Researchers have discovered characteristics of specialized secretory cells in placozoans, simple animals from 800 million years ago, that resemble a prelude to neurons in other organisms. These peptidergic cells in placozoans release peptide signals to coordinate their behavior, similar to how neurons function. While they have some similarities to primitive neuronal cells, they lack certain specialized components found in modern neurons. The genes of these peptide-releasing cells are highly conserved in placozoans but absent in other early animals, suggesting they may have evolved before other neuron-like cells. This finding raises questions about the evolution of neurons and the origins of brain cells.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-cells #evolution #genetics

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Neurons: Thank This Blobby Animal

Placozoans, one of the simplest animal lineages, have been found to contain neuron-like cells, suggesting they may have served as the blueprint for the nervous systems of more complex animals, including humans. Researchers discovered 14 types of peptidergic cells in placozoans that are important for building neurons in other animals. These cells regulate behaviors through chemical signals and have genetic similarities to neurons in cnidarians and bilaterians. The findings support the idea that early nervous systems evolved as networks of cells connected through chemical signals before the development of electrical signaling. Further research on placozoans and other ancient animal lineages may provide insights into the evolution of nervous systems.

via The New York Times|

#animal-evolution #genetic-similarity #nervous-system