Sister cells are cells that are derived from the same parent cell through cell division. They are genetically identical, sharing the same DNA, and have the same potential to develop into any type of cell.
While the term "sister cells" is not a standard scientific term, it is used to describe cells with a close evolutionary relationship. For example, photoreceptors and bipolar cells in the eye are thought to be "sister cells" because they share similar characteristics and evolved from a common ancestral cell type.
In cancer research, the term "sister cells" is used to describe cells that have been subjected to the same treatment, allowing researchers to study how individual cells respond to therapy.
Sister cells can also be used to study the inheritance of traits and how environmental factors can affect cell development.
Examples:
- In cell division: During mitosis, a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, which are considered sister cells.
- In evolutionary biology: Photoreceptors and bipolar cells are considered sister cells due to their shared ancestry and similar functions.
- In cancer research: Tracking sister cells allows scientists to see how individual cells within a population respond to a drug, identifying cells that may be resistant to treatment.
