Fig. 3

Cell-like emergence from a matrix ensemble. a A consortium of cells in a matrix propagates by matrix dissolution to release cells as a unicellular planktonic phase cells that disperses and may reform a biofilm. b A stable matrix/cell ensemble undergoes progressive transitions towards an autonomous cell-like life style. Either the entire ensemble evolves into a cell-like life form (upper pathway), or subsets of cells within the ensemble matrix progressively become sufficiently autonomous to survive without the support of the matrix (breakout, lower pathway)