title: Microbial differentiation: the role of cellular asymmetry.
abstract: The inherent cellular asymmetry in the cell cycles of the prosthecate budding bacteria, which involves the production of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, stems from the obligate polar growth patterns of these microbes. The examination of a range of bacteria, however, suggests that such asymmetry may be more widespread than hitherto recognized.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development; D002455:Cell Division; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure