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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Plant and Animal Cytokinesis?

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The main differences between plant and animal cytokinesis are the mode of division and the direction of division. Here is a comparison of the two processes:

Plant Cytokinesis:

  • Mode of Division: In plant cells, the division occurs by the formation of a cell plate at the center of the cell, which later forms into a new cell wall surrounding each daughter cell.
  • Direction of Division: The cytoplasmic division progresses centrifugally, starting at the center of the cell and moving towards the cell wall.

Animal Cytokinesis:

  • Mode of Division: In animal cells, the division occurs by the formation of a cleavage furrow that deepens until it divides the nucleus and cytoplasm into two identical daughter cells.
  • Direction of Division: The cytoplasmic division progresses centripetally, starting at the edges of the cell at the plasma membrane and moving towards the center.

In summary, plant and animal cytokinesis differ in the mode of division and the direction of division. Plant cytokinesis involves the formation of a cell plate at the center of the cell, while animal cytokinesis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow at the edges of the cell.

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  • What is the Difference Between Plant and Animal Cytokinesis?
  • Comparative Table: Plant vs Animal Cytokinesis

    • Comparative Table: Plant vs Animal Cytokinesis

    The main differences between plant and animal cytokinesis are as follows:

    Plant Cytokinesis Animal Cytokinesis
    Division occurs via the formation of a cell plate in the middle of the mother cell. Division occurs via the formation of a cleavage furrow on both sides of the mother cell.
    The division happens centrifugally, meaning the cell plate moves from the center to the periphery. The division happens centripetally, meaning the cleavage furrow grows from the periphery to the center.
    Vesicles from the golgi apparatus carry cell wall material to the equator of the cell to form a cell plate. No such event takes place in animal cells.
    The cell membrane does not pinch. The cell membrane is pinched off into two separate daughter cells.
    A cell wall is formed in plant cells. A cleavage furrow forms in animal cells, pinching the cell in half.
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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.