Do Cells know they're part of something bigger?

quote:

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How can the universe be part of something bigger -- that
would just be more universe wouldn't it?

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I'm 110% sure that you're right. What happened to Mr. Kerpacus anyway? If we don't "HEARN" from him again, this thread could end up *gasp* back on topic!I think the idea of all of us being part of a larger consciousness is interesting. What if the earth were aware of itself as the sum of our interaction, humans and animals and volcanoes and moving water, and aware of how minute and varied it all is? Maybe humanity would just be a short-lived headache, and viruses and prions a cocktail of painkillers.However... I don't think the idea ever gets past the realm of amusing speculation. Consciousness in general is so hard to define (since all of our thought exists within it) that the discussion will probably stay in that area. As far as our cells being conscious, I'd think that would require a mechanism to transport signals within a cell like our neural impulses.