The basic unit of life is the cell and in addition to the various functions it performs it also divides itself into two every so often. Cell division is incredibly complex as the cell contents must be duplicated and segregated before the cell splits into two identical daughter cells. External forces that deform the cell could easily disrupt this delicate process so the cell needs to sense such distortions and recover from them. New research is learning more about how this happens.
Working with single-celled protozoa the researchers found that two proteins monitor and adjust the cell geometry to ensure successful cell division. These proteins congregate at the location of distortions and perform structural functions. As one of the researchers explained:
What we found is an exquisitely tuned mechanosensory system that keeps the cells shipshape so they can divide properly ... It's clear that the two [proteins] need each other to operate as a cellular mechanosensor.
It is yet another example of life's exquisite tuning.
