Multicellular structures

Any dialogue on meat flavor development and deterioration requires a brief discussion of muscle structure. Muscle has a highly compact and complex multicellular structural organization (Figure 2). Individual muscle cells contain numerous mitochondria and nuclei. They also contain contractile elements as the bulk of their structure. While the sarcoplasm of muscle (the aqueous non-organellar component) is small compared to the cytoplasm of non-muscle cells, it does have a highly evolved system of membranes called the SR/L representing an acronym for sarcoplasmic reticulum/lysosomal membrane system (11). The SR/L surrounds each contractile element (Fig. 9-13 in 12 Fig. 7-10 in 13). The close proximity of the SR/L to the contractile proteins situates the proteins in a location that is optimal for their hydrolysis by lysosomal hydrolases (12, 13). 

The multicellular structure of laminar convection in small-scale crystal growth systems complicates the interpretation of the boundary layer analysis,... 

In the case of individual structures, a reconstruction matrix can receive new information only from its individual memory matrix, but in the case of multicellular structures there is also another option. Here it is possible to build a collective memory matrix, and this allows us to choose between two different reconstruction strategies. We can continue to adopt an individual approach, where each cell gets new information only from its individual memory matrix (Figure 7.6A), but we can also adopt an approach where,/row a certain point onwards, a cell can also receive new information from the collective memory of the system (Figure 7.6B). 

Figure 7.6 The reconstruction of multicellular structures can be performed by using only individual memory matrices (A), or by also exploiting a collective memory matrix (B).

The mathematical model, in short, shows that multicellular structures can be obtained with two different strategies (1) a continuous reconstruction method where only the information of... 

The scheme in Figure 5.1 can be used to illustrate this point. While this scheme shows three separate starting points, it also shows potential end points. For example, if the sample is multicellular, the purification could be ended after the removal of the extracellular matrix or the medium or broth used to culture cells. Enzyme activities can be measured directly in the multicellular structures or in the extracellular compartment. 

Cotton fibers are single-celled hairs that cover the surface of the cotton seed. They are formed independently and thus contain no intercellular substance (Figure 1). Wood fibers, on the other hand, form a cohesive three-dimensional structure (Figure 2) whose integrity is assured by large amounts of intercellular substance (Figure 3). The outermost layer of cotton is called the cuticle. The equivalent layer in the multicellular structure of wood is the middle lamella. 

Skin and mucosal surfaces of the gut, respiratory, and reproductive tracts represent a principal barrier against entry of pathogens and molecules encountered in the environment. These multicellular structures are often the most... 

Ruiz, S. A. and Chen, C. S. Emergence of patterned stem cell differentiation within multicellular structures. Stem Cells 26, 2921-2927, 2008. 

NOTE 1 Feature numbers in this section apply to individual cells whether they occur free or as part of a multicellular structure or organism.]... 

Bone and soft tissues are complex multicellular structures requiring oxygen, nutrients, and cell signaling cues to allow cells to form functional tissues. The oxygen diffusion limit of 150 iim [100] limits the size of in vitro TE constructs without vascularization. Often coculture is employed to promote prevascularization of the TE graft (reviewed in [101]). 

Generally speaking, the surface free energy (Sre) reflects the chemical composition of the material and molecule orientation to its surface. In the case of PDLCs, orientation of the LC molecules inside the droplets and the interactions at the LC/ polymer matrix interface determine the capability of the material to be electrically controlled and used in the design of biosensors as blood or sperm testers (Lin et al. 2012). Moreover, values of SFE higher than 22 mN/m proved to be beneficial in maintaining multicellular structure (Hallab et al. 2001). 

The SFE has high values (36-38 mN/m) that facilitate maintaining the multicellular structure and also offer the possibility of electrical control in sensor applications. These values are close to those of a natural cornea, making these composites real candidates for ocular prostheses. 

---