Asymmetrie

Asymmetrie, or asymmetry, denotes the lack of equality or invariance between parts of a system. It can be structural, functional, or contextual, and may be intentional or incidental.

In geometry and design, asymmetry refers to forms that are not mirror images of each other. Asymmetrical balance uses differing parts to create a coherent whole.

In biology, many organisms display asymmetry: although bodies are largely bilaterally symmetric, organs are offset (the heart on the left), and developmental pathways establish left–right orientation.

In chemistry, chirality describes molecules that are not superimposable on their mirror image. Enantiomers can have different chemical or biological effects.

In physics, symmetry breaking is central: parity violation in weak interactions shows asymmetry at fundamental levels; in cosmology, baryon asymmetry explains why matter dominates over antimatter.

In materials science and geology, anisotropy denotes direction-dependent properties, from crystal structure to seismic waves.

Analytically, asymmetry is studied with group theory, image analysis, and statistical measures, helping to quantify deviation from symmetry across disciplines.