Structural inheritance
Overview of structural inheritance in cell biology
Structural inheritance[edit | edit source]
Structural inheritance is a concept in cell biology that refers to the transmission of cellular structures from one generation to the next during cell division. Unlike genetic inheritance, which involves the transmission of DNA sequences, structural inheritance involves the direct transmission of cellular architecture, such as organelles and cytoskeleton components, from parent to daughter cells.
Mechanisms of structural inheritance[edit | edit source]
Structural inheritance occurs through several mechanisms, including the duplication and segregation of existing cellular structures. Key examples include:
Centrioles[edit | edit source]
Centrioles are cylindrical structures that play a crucial role in cell division and the formation of cilia and flagella. During cell division, centrioles duplicate and are distributed to each daughter cell, ensuring that each new cell inherits the ability to organize microtubules.
Mitochondria[edit | edit source]
Mitochondria are inherited maternally in most organisms. They replicate independently of the cell cycle and are distributed to daughter cells during cytokinesis. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a portion of the mitochondria, maintaining the cell's energy production capabilities.
Chloroplasts[edit | edit source]
In plants and algae, chloroplasts are inherited in a manner similar to mitochondria. They are distributed to daughter cells during cell division, ensuring that each cell can perform photosynthesis.
Importance of structural inheritance[edit | edit source]
Structural inheritance is crucial for maintaining cellular function and identity across generations. It allows cells to:
- Maintain specialized functions by preserving organelle structures.
- Ensure proper cell division and development by transmitting essential components like centrioles.
- Adapt to environmental changes by retaining structural adaptations.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
