In embryos, mRNA can determine pattern by being regionalized in one part of an embryo, allowing localized synthesis of a protein product. There are plenty of examples in which specific mRNAs are localized in cells - could this play a role in Stentor patterning?

We often think of cells as small, simple building blocks for larger organisms, but cells themselves can have very complex and beautiful structures. How can pattern formation, which we normally associate with development in embryos, happen in a single cell?

denominations are just kinda like character skins.