#30DaysOfScikuChallenge
Asymmetry
Day 5 Prompt: Cell Biology Inspired Sciku
Unequal yet unique
from one to many become
to build and defend
Much of our body’s response to protect us against viruses or even fighting cancer depends on careful orchestration of cell division processes — specifically, an asymmetric cell division process that generates two types of cells with distinct properties and for vastly different roles.
When triggered by an infection, one type of white blood cells, the helper T cells, become activated and divide rapidly to assist the overall immune response. The critical step here is: the activated T cells divide asymmetrically— meaning as a result of cell division; one daughter cell becomes the effector T cells (launches an immediate attack on infectious agents and other threats) while the other daughter cell becomes a slowly dividing memory T cells (functions like sentries to provide long-term defense against recurring threats) — Two very different daughter cells coming from the same parent cell.
The more we know about this asymmetric cell division, the better we can defend ourselves against infections. Recent research has shown promise in identifying underlying processes. Briefly, regulatory protein c-Myc appears to distribute asymmetrically in one of the daughter cells to influence its fate and functions—suggesting, on the one hand, the possibility to manipulate the immune response by nudging production of c-Myc in one direction or the other and on the other hand, potentially leading to more effective vaccines or even to help to advance T-cell immune therapy for cancer treatment.
Fascinating to see that the more we know, the more there seems to be — what may be unequal in origin is what might make us unique and provide us with unparalleled opportunities — Perhaps a reminder to celebrate our differences and forge connections — a soulful thought inspired by science!
**This is Day 5 of the #sciku challenge — science-inspired haiku ( so #sciku?) prompts to get you inspired — Our dear readers — why not spend some time each day creating and having a little fun — if you do — publish it anywhere on medium, just tag it with — #30DaysOfScikuChallenge.
**If Haikus/SciKus are not your thing, feel free to exercise your artistic creativity and write another form of a science-inspired story — I can’t wait to read what you come up with.
Tagging Adelia Ritchie Thais Macedo Robin G Murphy, Susannah MacKinnie, and anyone else who feels inspired to follow and/or play along with this fun #30DaysOfScikuChallenge and today’s prompt: Cell Biology
Also, check out the following from Melissa Gouty:
