title: [The cell theory. Progress in studies on cell-cell communications].
abstract: Current data confirm the fundamental statement of the cell theory concerning the cell reproduction in a series of generations (omnis cellula e cellula). Cell communities or ensembles integrated by the signaling systems established in prokaryotes and protists and functioning in multicellular organisms including mammals are considered as the structural and functional unit of a multicellular organism. The cell is an elementary unit of life and basis of organism development and functioning. At the same time, the adult organism is not just a totality of cells. Multinucleated cells in some tissues, syncytial structure, and structural-functional units of organs are adaptations for optimal functioning of the multicellular organism and manifestations of cell-cell communications in development and definitive functioning. The cell theory was supplemented and developed by studies on cell-cell communications; however, these studies do not question the main generalizations of the theory.
authors.forename: V Ia
authors.initials: VIa
authors.lastname: Brodskiĭ
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D008954:Models, Biological; D059828:Plant Cells; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena