Question

Why do some cells divide in 1 plane while others can divide in more than 1 plane.

Answer 1

Let us first know about Cell division and planes of cell division:

Cell division involves division of parent molecule into daughter cells, which may not always involve, symmetrical division. Mitotic phase of cell division consists of several phases like Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase and Cytokinensis. Assymmetry exists in unequal distribution of cell organelles during cell division, and there are also different planes like parallel, perpendicular and various other angles to the longitudinal axis of the cell, through which cells division can take place.

Now, what are the reasons for assymmetry and different planes of divison in different cells?

Types of Asymmetric cell division	Reason
Diagonal Plane of division	Quite uncommon. When two wedge shaped cells are stacked upon one on another, it results in change of shape and position of daughter cells making them divide along the diagonal axis of the mitotic spindle
Parallel plane of cell division	When there are 2 layers of parent cells, there may be significant change in position and shape, which can favor parallel plane of cell division
Perpendicular plane of cell division	The packing of the cells, perpendicular direction of fibrils in the matrix may result in perpendicular plane of cell division

These asymmetries can arised due to one or more of the following mechanisms:

1. According to Juliu Sachs, a plant biologist, the parent cells divide into daughter cells in a plane which perpendicular to the cell walls. Hofmeister stated that cells divide in a plane which is perpendicular to the cell growth axis.

2.Errera rules states that plant cells divide like soap bubbles in which they follow the Sach's rule that favors the shortest division plane

3. Hertwig in 1884 proposed that cell division occurs at cell center of mass and perpendicular to longest axis

4. Cell plate angle, cleavage angle and spindle angle differs in plant and animal cells which result in differences in different planes of cell division

5. Notch signalling, par protein complex, external polarity and intrinsic asymmetry in combination or alone may attribute to the single plane of cell divison in one cell and more than 1 plane in different cells

6. Stochastic aspect of division plane, intrinsic noise, polarizing cue determine the plane of angle of cell division and help in morphogenesis of tissue by change at the cellular level

In light of the above aspects, it is now quite evident that, how different cells differ while dividing in different planes to give rise to daughter cells.