Acrasins

/ˈækrəsɪnz/ noun

Definition

Plural of acrasin; multiple instances of chemical substances that cause cell aggregation in slime molds and other organisms.

Etymology

Plural form of acrasin, from Acrasi- plus -in. Multiple different molecules can serve as acrasins in different organisms or contexts.

Kelly Says

Different slime mold species use different acrasins—some use cyclic AMP while others use different molecules—showing how evolution solved the 'problem' of single cells coordinating together in multiple ways, like different species inventing different languages.

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