Hertwig rule

Hertwig's Rule is a biological principle that describes the orientation of cell division during the development of an organism. Named after German embryologist Oscar Hertwig, this rule states that the plane of cell division tends to be perpendicular to the longest axis of the cell.

Overview[edit | edit source]

File:Cell division.png

Illustration of cell division following Hertwig's Rule

Hertwig's Rule is a fundamental concept in developmental biology and cell biology. It is based on observations made by Oscar Hertwig in the late 19th century. Hertwig noticed that during the process of mitosis, the plane of cell division often occurs perpendicular to the longest axis of the cell. This orientation of cell division is believed to play a crucial role in shaping the form of the developing organism.

Mechanism[edit | edit source]

The exact mechanism behind Hertwig's Rule is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the orientation of the mitotic spindle, a structure that forms during cell division to separate the chromosomes, plays a key role. The spindle aligns itself along the longest axis of the cell, leading to a division plane that is perpendicular to this axis.

Significance[edit | edit source]

Hertwig's Rule has significant implications for the development of an organism. The orientation of cell division can influence the shape and size of tissues and organs. Abnormalities in cell division orientation can lead to developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer.