Reproduction and love: strategies of the organism's cellular defense system?
A novel view is presented which states that primordial germ cells and their descendants can be regarded as 'cancerous cells' which emit signals that activate a whole array of cellular defensive mechanisms by the somatoplasm. These cells have become unrestrained in response to the lack of typical cell adhesion properties of epithelial cells. From this point of view: (1) the encapsulation of oocytes by follicle cells, vitelline membrane and egg shell; (2) the suppression of gonadal development in larval life; (3) the production of sex steroid hormones and of vitellogenin; and (4) the expulsion of the gametes from the body fit into a general framework for a defense strategy of the somatoplasm against germ line cells. Accordingly, the origin of sexual reproduction appears to be a story of failure and intercellular hostility rather than a 'romantic' and altruistic event. Yet, it has resulted in evolutionary success for the system in which it has evolved; probably through realizing feelings of 'pleasure' associated with reproduction.
De Loof
A
A
Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Belgium. arnold.deloof@bio.kuleuven.ac.be
Huybrechts
R
R
Kotanen
S
S
D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages / Q000502:physiology*; D000069497:Origin of Life; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism; D014818:Vitellogenesis; D014819:Vitellogenins / Q000378:metabolism
D013256:Steroids; D014819:Vitellogenins