How Does Cytokinesis Occur in Plant Cells?

Cytokinesis is an essential process that occurs after mitosis in plant cells, where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells. In plant cells, cytokinesis occurs through a unique mechanism called the cell plate formation. This article will explain the process of cytokinesis in detail.

The Initiation of Cytokinesis

Before cytokinesis begins in plant cells, the cell undergoes mitosis, where the chromosomes separate and migrate to opposite poles of the cell. Once the chromosomes have moved completely, the cell prepares for cytokinesis. During this process, a structure called the preprophase band forms around the cell's midpoint. This band shows the site where the cell will divide.

The Formation of Cell Plate

Once the preprophase band has established, microtubules reassemble at the cell's midpoint. These microtubules that attach to a protein called kinesin move towards the cell's periphery, where they encounter the cell membrane. Once they reach the cell membrane, they start depositing a membrane-bound vesicle called the Golgi vesicle. These vesicles fuse to form a continuous structure called the cell plate.

The Development of Cell Plate

As the Golgi vesicles fuse together, they start forming tubules that extend to the opposite ends of the cell. During this process, the membrane-bound vesicles also start exchanging contents with the cell wall. The contents of the vesicles harden right after the exchange with the cell wall. This results in the formation of new cell walls that divide the cell nuclei into two daughter cells.

Completion of Cytokinesis

Once the cell plate has formed entirely, the daughter cells separate completely, resulting in two new plant cells. The two new cells contain identical chromosomes as the parent cell. The final process of cytokinesis in plant cells is the deposition of the cell wall material, called the middle lamella. This substance fuses the cell wall of the two new cells, creating one continuous plant.

Conclusion

Cytokinesis is a vital process that occurs after mitosis in plant cells, dividing the cell into two identical daughter cells. The unique process of cytokinesis in plant cells occurs through the formation of a cell plate, a continuous membrane-bound vesicle that fuses to create two new cells. The daughter cells contain identical chromosomes as the parent cell and are connected by a substance called the middle lamella.