Before revision:  We show that cell-to-cell molecule exchange induces a collective two-cell critical point . We find a slow-down of critical dynamics, reflected in the dynamic exponent z increasing from its well-mixed value (z = 2) to a two-cell collective state (z > 2). Finally, we show that the mutual information between the cells peaks at this critical point , and can remain large far from the critical point if the cells assume the roles of producer/consumer .
After revision:  We show that cell-to-cell molecule exchange induces a collective two-cell critical point and that the mutual information between the cells peaks at this critical point , and can remain large far from the critical point if the cells assume the roles of producer/consumer .