Biology

A matter of force

Researchers work out the mechanics of asymmetric cell division. When a cell divides, normally the result is two identical daughter cells. In some cases however, cell division leads to two cells with different properties. This is called asymmetric cell division and plays an important role in embryonic development and the self-renewal of stem cells. Researchers have now worked out the mechanism underlying asymmetric cell division in nematode worms. The study reveals that interactions between the mitotic spindle and the cell cortex are crucial for asymmetric division. The cellular structures that make sure the spindle gets to the right place are protein filaments called microtubules.