Polarity and differential inheritance--universal attributes of life?
When and why did cell polarization arise? Recent work in bacteria and yeast suggests that polarization may have evolved to restrict senescence to one daughter during division by enabling the differential segregation of damaged material. In more complex organisms, polarity functions have diversified to permit the differential inheritance of centrosomes, RNAs, proteins, and membranes, which is essential for the generation of diverse cell types from stem cells and for morphogenesis.
Macara
Ian G
IG
Department of Microbiology, Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0577, USA. igm9c@virginia.edu
Mili
Stavroula
S
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000166:cytology; D002455:Cell Division; D016764:Cell Polarity; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005658:Fungi / Q000166:cytology