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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Mitosis?

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The main difference between open and closed mitosis lies in the behavior of the nuclear envelope during the process of cell division. Here are the key differences between the two types of mitosis:

  • Nuclear Envelope Breakdown (NEBD): In open mitosis, the segregation of chromosomes occurs after the nuclear envelope breaks down (NEBD). In contrast, closed mitosis involves the separation of chromosomes and spindle formation without NEBD.
  • Occurrence: Open mitosis is found in multicellular organisms, while closed mitosis typically occurs in lower eukaryotes, such as fungi.
  • Spindle Formation: In open mitosis, spindle fibers form within the nucleus, causing the NEBD. In closed mitosis, spindle fibers form outside of the nucleus, maintaining the integrity of the nuclear envelope.
  • Nuclear Membrane: During open mitosis, the nuclear membrane disintegrates and then re-forms around two sets of segregated chromosomes. In closed mitosis, the nuclear membrane remains intact.
  • Evolution: Open mitosis has evolved several times during the evolution of eukaryotes, whereas closed mitosis is considered the oldest mechanism of eukaryotic cell division.
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  • What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Mitosis?
  • Comparative Table: Open vs Closed Mitosis

    • Comparative Table: Open vs Closed Mitosis

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between open and closed mitosis:

    Feature Open Mitosis Closed Mitosis
    Nuclear Envelope Breakdown Yes, the nuclear envelope breaks down during mitosis No, the nuclear envelope remains intact during mitosis
    Chromosome Segregation Chromosomes segregate after the nuclear envelope breakdown Chromosomes segregate without the nuclear envelope breakdown
    Mitotic Spindle Formation The mitotic spindle forms in the cytoplasm The mitotic spindle forms within the nucleus
    Nuclear Pore Complex Disassembly The nuclear pore complexes disassemble at the start of mitosis The nuclear pore complexes remain intact during mitosis
    Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Protein Mixing The nuclear membrane and pore complexes dissemble at the start of mitosis, causing the mixing of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins The nuclear membrane and pore complexes remain intact, preventing the mixing of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins
    Occurrence Open mitosis is typical of most animals and plants Closed mitosis is common in some fungi and algae

    Open mitosis involves the breakdown of the nuclear envelope early in mitosis, while closed mitosis retains an intact nuclear envelope throughout the process.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.