Cell division myths busted: What we've taught for 100 years is wrong

[Judi Lynn]

By University of Manchester -May 3, 2025

Scientists at The University of Manchester have made a major discovery that could change what we’ve believed—and taught—about how cells divide for over a century.

In a study published in Science, they found that cells don’t always become round before they split into two, challenging what many of us learned in school biology classes.

Traditionally, students are taught that when a cell divides, it first becomes a perfect sphere.

It then splits into two equal parts—called daughter cells—that are the same size and shape. But this new research shows that’s not always true in living organisms.

The team discovered that many cells in the body don’t actually round up at all before they divide.

More:
https://knowridge.com/2025/05/cell-division-myths-busted-what-weve-taught-for-100-years-is-wrong/

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. For what it's worth, I don't think I was

taught that cells became perfect spheres just before dividing. I just learned they doubled everything that needed doubling, half went into one cell, the other half into the other cell, and that was it.

[cachukis]

2. Fabulous revelation. Makes evolution so much more

sensible.