Table 1. PCD and ETIs. PCD plays five key roles in the three ETIs discussed in this manuscript. For example, in the first instance, in eukaryogenesis PCD plays a role in the formation of cooperative groups by facilitating resource-sharing between individuals. In division of labor in eukaryogenesis, PCD plays a role in organellar specialization (see the text for further details).
The role played by PCD in... | Eukaryogenesis | Multicellularity | Eusociality |
The formation of cooperative groups | Resource sharing | Resource sharing | Sterility in workers is required for the mediation of conflict, division of labor and mutual dependencies |
The division of labor | Organellar specialization | Propagation and dispersal | |
Communication | Signaling cascade in PCD | Infochemicals | |
Conflict mediation | Death of the group | Death of uncooperative cells; genetic transfer | |
Mutual dependencies | Reliance on shared resources | Recycling of nutrients |