How Does Cytokinesis Differ in Plant and Animal Cells?

Cytokinesis, the process of separating the cytoplasm and organelles of a cell into two new cells, differs between plant and animal cells due to differences in their cell structures and cell walls.

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, while animal cells do not. During cytokinesis, the cell plate forms in the center of the cell in plant cells, dividing the cytoplasm into two cells. In contrast, in animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms on the cell membrane, and proteins contract the membrane to pinch off the cytoplasm into two cells.

Additionally, plant cells have a large central vacuole which plays a role in cytokinesis. The vacuole moves towards the center of the cell during cytokinesis, pushing the cell plate outwards and aiding in the formation of the new cell walls. However, animal cells do not have a central vacuole, and therefore do not experience this phenomenon.

Another key difference is the presence of microtubules in animal cells. Microtubules are long, slender tubes that are involved in cell division. During cytokinesis in animal cells, microtubules form near the cell membrane and act as guideposts for the formation of the cleavage furrow.

In summary, while cytokinesis is the process of separating the cytoplasm and organelles of a cell into two new cells, it differs between plant and animal cells due to differences in their cell structures and cell walls. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall and a central vacuole while animal cells lack both. Additionally, animal cells rely on microtubules to form the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis, while plant cells rely on the formation of the cell plate.