3 ms·
Very interesting. This is just speculation on my part --- but perhaps a reason why the fruit fly and the nematode worm only have one TNF is precisely because th
by quotient 12y ago
Very interesting. This is just speculation on my part --- but perhaps a reason why the fruit fly and the nematode worm only have one TNF is precisely because they are small organisms that frequently come into contact with other organisms. If they had dozens of TNFs, then it would be much easier for their apoptosis processes to be triggered by external influences, which could prove debilitating.
- DaniFong 12y agoDoesn't explain the differential population in coral and humans; the simpler organisms have shorter lifespans, it should matter less if they're susceptible to an external influence. More likely there are so many receptors because the type and mechanism of cell death is important for the programming of complexity in organisms and macroorganisms.