What is the Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Stem Cell Division?

Stem cells can divide either symmetrically or asymmetrically, with each division type having different outcomes for the daughter cells. Here are the main differences between symmetric and asymmetric stem cell divisions:

Symmetric Stem Cell Division:

Produces two identical daughter cells that acquire the same developmental fate.
Leads to the expansion of cell populations.
Generally, both daughter cells are either stem cells or differentiated cells.

Asymmetric Stem Cell Division:

Produces two daughter cells with different fates, such as one stem cell and one differentiated cell.
Allows for the maintenance of the stem cell pool while also generating differentiated cells.
The daughter cells may have different proliferative potential, size, or other characteristics.

Both types of stem cell divisions have been reported in various tissues, and some stem cells are capable of both symmetric and asymmetric divisions depending on factors such as the orientation of the mitotic spindle and the cell's environment. Understanding how cell division mode is selected and executed in stem cells can provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing stem cell behavior and their potential role in cancer.

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What is the Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Stem Cell Division?

Comparative Table: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Stem Cell Division

Here is a table comparing symmetric and asymmetric stem cell division:

Feature	Symmetric Stem Cell Division	Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
Definition	A stem cell produces two daughter cells with equal fates.	A stem cell produces one differentiated cell and one stem cell with different fates.
Fate of Daughter Cells	Both daughter cells have the same fate, either as stem cells or more differentiated progenies.	One daughter cell maintains the stem cell fate, while the other differentiates.
Role in Development	Symmetric division predominates during the development phase of an organism.	Asymmetric division predominates during the development phase of an organism.
Cancer Implications	Uncontrolled symmetric stem cell division can cause cancers.	Asymmetric divisions are associated with the maintenance of stem cell populations and have implications for cancer.
Examples	Drosophila germ stem cells and mammalian stem cells can divide symmetrically depending on factors such as polarity and orientation of the mitotic spindle.	Asymmetric cell divisions are observed in various tissues and are crucial for maintaining the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.

Both symmetric and asymmetric stem cell divisions play essential roles in the development and maintenance of tissues. The choice between these two types of divisions depends on factors such as the polarity of the cell and its orientation in the niche.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.