Multicellularity

Multicellularity is a form of life in which multiple cells cooperate within one organism, often dividing tasks through specialized cell types.

Cell adhesion: Cell adhesion is the binding of cells to one another or to the extracellular matrix. Adhesion holds cells together as tissues and structures.
Evolution of multicellularity: The evolution of multicellularity is the repeated emergence of cooperative, integrated groups of cells. It examines how multicellular life arose in different lineages.
Eukaryote: A eukaryote is an organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound compartments. Most familiar multicellular organisms are eukaryotes.
Colonial organism: A colonial organism consists of connected or associated individuals that retain substantial independence. Colonies can resemble multicellular organisms while lacking comparable integration.
Cell signaling: Cell signaling is the transmission and reception of molecular information between cells. Signals coordinate cell behavior across a multicellular body.
Volvocine algae: Volvocine algae are a group of green algae ranging from single cells to differentiated colonies. Their diversity offers examples of steps toward cellular specialization.
Prokaryote: A prokaryote is an organism whose cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes show that complex cooperation can occur without a multicellular body.
Biofilm: A biofilm is a surface-attached community of microbes embedded in a self-produced matrix. Biofilms coordinate cells, but their members are not necessarily one organism.
Cell differentiation: Cell differentiation is the process by which cells acquire distinct structures and functions. Differentiation creates specialized roles within an organism.
Choanoflagellates: Choanoflagellates are single-celled or colonial eukaryotes and the closest living relatives of animals. They illuminate traits that may have preceded animal multicellularity.

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