Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Mammalian Cell Division in 3D Matrices via Quantitative Confocal Reflection Microscopy
Published on: November 29, 2017
Dividing cellular asymmetry: asymmetric cell division and its implications for stem cells and cancer
Ralph A Neumüller1, Juergen A Knoblich
1Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Cell division is commonly thought to involve the equal distribution of cellular components into the two daughter cells. During many cell divisions, however, proteins, membrane compartments, organelles, or even DNA are asymmetrically distributed between the two daughter cells. Here, we review the various types of asymmetries that have been described in yeast and in animal cells. Asymmetric segregation of protein determinants is particularly relevant for stem cell biology. We summarize the relevance of asymmetric cell divisions in various stem cell systems and discuss why defects in asymmetric cell division can lead to the formation of tumors.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
Distribution of Cytoplasmic Content
Distribution of cytoplasmic determinants
The cytoplasm contains various organelles, as well as salts, proteins, and water. The distribution of small...

