How does Mitosis Differ in Plant and Animal Cells

Mitosis is an essential process for the growth and repair of cells in both plant and animal species. Despite both following a similar process, mitosis differs in some important ways in plant and animal cells. This article will delve into the differences between plant and animal cell mitosis.

Mitosis in Animal Cells

Mitosis in animal cells can be split into four main phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the chromatin in the cell nucleus condenses into structured chromosomes that are visible under a microscope. As the cell proceeds into metaphase, these chromosomes align along the central axis of the cell. Once they are aligned, the attached spindle fibers within the cell help to prepare for cell division.

Anaphase sees the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids in opposite directions to either side of the cell, thus separating the chromosomes. Finally, during telophase, a nuclear envelope forms around each region of separated chromatids with the end result being two identical daughter cells.

Mitosis in Plant Cells

The different stages of mitosis in plant cells are similar to those in animal cells - prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. The main differences lie in how the cells divide during cytokinesis. With animal cells, a contractile ring created from actin and myosin filaments surrounds the cell, causing it to pinch inwards and splitting the cell in two.

For plant cells, the process involves the formation of a cell plate or cell wall down the center of the cell. The cell plate is formed from vesicles that join together, becoming a new cell wall as they merge.

Differences in Chromosomes

One of the primary differences in mitosis between plant cells and animal cells is the structure of their chromosomes. While animal cells have centrioles that help facilitate cell division, plant cells lack them. Instead, plants have spindle fibers that are guided by a structure called the preprophase band. This structure directs the spindle fibers where to go when dividing the chromosomes during cell division. Additionally, both plant and animal cells contain nucleoli, but only the plant cells have chloroplasts.

Conclusion

Mitosis, although similar in both plant and animal cells, has significant differences. These differences arise from the different structures and nature of both types of cells. Mitosis in animal cells divides by pinching inwards, whereas the cell plate formation takes place with plant cells, and spindle fibers only exist in plant cells. These differences boil down to the structural and biological differences between plants and animals.