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Given the opportunity, under the right conditions, two…

“Given the opportunity, under the right conditions, two cells from wildly different sources, a yeast cell, say, and a chicken erythrocyte, will touch, fuse, and the two nuclei will then fuse as well, and the new hybrid cell will now divide into monstrous progeny. Naked cells, lacking self-respect…” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“Given the opportunity, under the right conditions, two cells from wildly different sources, a yeast cell, say, and a chicken erythrocyte, will touch, fuse, and the two nuclei will then fuse as well, and the new hybrid cell will now divide into monstrous progeny. Naked cells, lacking self-respect, do not seem to have any sense of self.”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When compatible cells meet under optimal conditions they can fuse, creating a hybrid that proliferates, illustrating that individual cells lack inherent self‑identity.

In simple terms: Cells can merge and lose self‑sense.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the power of cooperation.

Themes

biology cellular fusion identity cooperation

Mood

curious analytical

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • biotech development
  • stem cell therapy

Key Concepts

cell biology genetics hybridization

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ethical limits should guide cellular hybrid experiments?
  • How does this inform our view of individuality?
A Different Perspective

Fusion requires precise conditions and may produce unstable hybrids.

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