Question

State two limitations of electrical impulses in multicellular organisms. Why is chemical communication better than electrical impulses as a means of communication between cells in multicellular organisms?

Hint:

Chemical signals provide a more coordinated and sustained form of communication in multicellular organisms, enabling complex bodily functions.

Answer 1

Limitations of electrical impulses: Electrical impulses can only travel along nerve fibers and do not cover large distances within the organism. The speed of electrical impulses is slower than that of chemical signals in some cases, limiting their use for rapid communication over long distances.
Why chemical communication is better: Chemical signals, such as hormones, can travel through the bloodstream and reach various parts of the body, providing a broader and more coordinated form of communication. Chemical communication is slower but can last longer and be more sustained compared to electrical impulses, which are often short-lived.