How is Plant Cell Cytokinesis Different from Animal Cell Cytokinesis?

Introduction

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division, where the cytoplasm is divided and the two daughter cells are formed. Cytokinesis in plant cells is structurally different from animal cells due to their unique cell wall composition.

In Plant Cells

In plant cells, cytokinesis commences with the formation of a cell plate that grows outwards from the center of the cell, dividing it into two daughter cells. Cell plate formation occurs during telophase, where vesicles carrying cell wall components fuse together to form a disk-like structure. The disk increases in size and forms a new cell wall between the two daughter cells.

In Animal Cells

In contrast, animal cells undergo cytokinesis through the process of cleavage. During late anaphase, a contractile ring of actin and myosin filaments forms around the cell, causing the cell membrane to constrict and eventually pinch off, forming two daughter cells. The actin-myosin ring is absent in plant cells due to their rigid cell wall.

Differences in Microtubules

During cytokinesis, plant cells are characterized by the presence of a preload of microtubules lining the cell plate. These microtubules regulate the direction in which the cell plate expands and anchor the new cell wall to the plasma membrane. In animal cells, microtubules are distributed throughout the cytoplasm and become organized into the midbody during cytokinesis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cytokinesis in plant cells and animal cells have distinct differences due to the presence of the cell wall, the regulation of microtubules, and the process of dividing the cells. These variations allow plants and animals to maintain their respective structures and shapes during cell division.