Delegating dirty work is key to evolution: Working cells allow organisms to evolve
Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 19:20
in Biology & Nature
We have hundreds of types of cells in our bodies -- everything from red blood cells to hair follicles to neurons. But why can't most of them create offspring for us? New research suggests that separating germ cells -- sperm and eggs -- from somatic cells -- all other cells -- preserves the genetic building blocks while allowing organisms to flourish in a somewhat hazardous environment.