Background Research:
Mitosis is a process during which a cell duplicates its genetic material into two identical sets before dividing into two daughter cells. This is continuous throughout our lives, with millions of cells in the body dividing every second. However, defects can occur during this splitting mechanism that result in unequal distributions of chromosomes to each new cell. Such errors might potentially cause developmental anomalies and contribute to genetic disorders.
Cancer cells are typically marked by an improper number of chromosomes, often due to errors during the division process. As it continues unchecked and unregulated, it contributes to the aggressive growth we see in cancerous tumors.
In response to such potential danger, human cells have safety mechanisms in place for halting or slowing the division process when issues appear. Remarkably these „surveillance systems“ had been largely unknown until now.
That has changed with recent research from biologists at University Duisburg-Essen who discovered how this signaling system functions on a molecular level.
FAQs:
1) What occurs during mitosis?
During mitosis (cellular division), each cell duplicates its genetic material into equal parts and then divides creating two identical daughter cells.
2) What kinds of problems can occur during cellular division?
Errors may happen while distributing genetic material which could lead chromosomes unequally divided between new cells leading directly to developmental defects and conditions like Down syndrome or certain types of cancer.
3) How do such divisions contribute towards diseases like cancer?
Since most Cancerous Cells are characterised by abnormal numbers of chromosomes often resulting from errors that happened during cellular division leading towards unchecked growth contributing significantly towards tumor development.
4) How do normal healthy bodies respond when such defects are found?
Cells have internal surveillance systems also referred as ’stop signals‘ . These stop signals halt or slow down cellular divisions till all necessary corrections have been made preventing further spread of mutation
5.) What did scientists discover at University Duisburg-Essen?
Researchers have gained more knowledge about these stop signals and their functioning on molecular level. Findings has been published in ‘Current Biology’ scientific journal.
6.) How can this discovery contribute to medical science?
This deeper understanding of cellular division surveillance systems could potentially be the basis for new therapies or treatments for conditions related to genetic disorders or cancer. The next step would require further research and trials on how it can be manipulated or enhanced from a therapeutic stance.
7.) Is there more information about the research online?
Yes, there is a detailed press release available at http://idw-online.de/de/news834662 containing additional information regarding the discovery and its implications.
8). Are there visual reference regarding findings ?
Yes, images accompanying press release will provide better understanding . Please follow link mentioned above.
Originamitteilung:
Several million cells divide every second in our bodies. During nuclear division (mitosis), the genetic material must be distributed correctly and completely between the daughter cells – errors in this process can lead to defective developments or genetic disorders, and many cancer cells are also characterised by unequal numbers of chromosomes. Therefore, if errors in the division process become apparent, the cell can stop it. Biologists at the University of Duisburg-Essen have been able to elucidate this process at a molecular level. The scientific journal ‘Current Biology’ has published their findings