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'Midwives' assist dividing amoebae

Author

Listed:
  • David Biron

    (The Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Pazit Libros

    (The Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Dror Sagi

    (The Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • David Mirelman

    (The Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Elisha Moses

    (The Weizmann Institute of Science)

Abstract

Asexual cells are normally able to reproduce entirely by themselves. But we have discovered that in about one-third of the dividing cells of Entamoeba invadens contraction of the cleavage furrow1 may stop before separation is complete. We show here that the connected daughter cells overcome this problem by calling upon a neighbouring amoeba to help them achieve the final stage of division. The 'midwife' cell is chemotactically recruited for this mechanical intervention in what is a surprising example of primitive cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • David Biron & Pazit Libros & Dror Sagi & David Mirelman & Elisha Moses, 2001. "'Midwives' assist dividing amoebae," Nature, Nature, vol. 410(6827), pages 430-430, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:410:y:2001:i:6827:d:10.1038_35068628
    DOI: 10.1038/35068628
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