ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Asymmetric cell division

Asymmetric cell division is like when one cookie is cut in half but one half is bigger than the other. When a cell divides, it can sometimes make two identical cells that are the same size, but other times it can make two different-sized cells. This happens because the cell divides asymmetrically.

Like how some shapes can fit into only one half of a puzzle, different parts of the cell go into different parts of the new cells. This can make one cell with more of one thing than the other.

Asymmetric cell division is important for making different types of cells in our body. For example, when a baby is growing in its mother's belly, some cells divide asymmetrically to make a brain cell and a skin cell. The brain cell needs to have more information to help the baby think and learn, while the skin cell just needs to be tough and protective.

Asymmetric cell division is also important in repairing damaged tissue or making new tissue. Some cells divide asymmetrically to make more stem cells, which can then become different types of cells that the body needs to repair itself.

So, just like how cutting a cookie unevenly can give you two different-sized pieces, asymmetric cell division can give us two different-sized cells with different jobs to do in our body.