What is the difference between plant and animal cell division besides Cytokinesis
From Google:
Formation of the Spindle in Animal Cells
Animal cells contain two clusters of microtubules and centrioles, collectively termed centrosomes, located at poles of the cell. During prophase, the microtubules within the centrosome begin lengthening toward the chromosomes in the nucleus. The microtubules are referred to as spindles at this point. Spindles orchestrate the careful organization and segregation of chromosomes between daughter cells during mitosis. Some of the microtubules extending from the centrosome also participate in cytokinesis after the last stage of mitosis.
Formation of the Spindle in Plant Cells
Most plants do not contain centrioles, but instead have microtubule clusters that function to direct the distribution of chromosomes. They also participate in splitting the cell during cytokinesis. During prophase, the plant cell begins to produce spindles from the organizing centers that grow into the nuclear region and attach to the chromosomes. From there, they orchestrate the organization and segregation of chromosomes between daughter cells during mitosis.
Differences in Cytokinesis
In animals, the cell is split from the outside by a contractile ring, forming a cleavage furrow. A layer of actin and myosin filaments underneath the plasma membrane at the cell center begins to contract until the cell is essentially pinched in half. In plants, a new cell wall forms inside the cell that grows outward until the formation of two new cells. The assembly of a new cell wall forms by vesicles filled with cellulose and lignin, which eventually fuse together to create a new cell wall, and the parent cell splits in two.
To understand the difference between plant and animal cell division, one must first understand the process of cell division itself. Cell division is the mechanism by which cells reproduce and form new cells. It is a vital process for growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms.
There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is the division of somatic cells, which are non-reproductive cells, and it involves the replication and equal distribution of genetic material. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the division of reproductive cells (germ cells) and involves the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes.
Now, let's discuss the differences between plant and animal cell division:
1. Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that follows the division of the nucleus. The major difference between plant and animal cell division lies in the process of cytokinesis. In animal cells, during cytokinesis, a cleavage furrow forms, which is the constriction of the cell membrane that pinches the dividing cell into two daughter cells. In contrast, plant cells form a cell plate during cytokinesis, which eventually develops into a cell wall that separates the daughter cells. This distinction is primarily due to the structural differences between plant and animal cells, where plant cells have a rigid cell wall that requires the formation of a cell plate.
2. Centrioles: Animal cells contain structures called centrioles, which aid in the organization of the cell division process. Centrioles are absent in plant cells, so plant cell division does not involve centrioles.
3. Plasmodesmata: Plant cells are interconnected by plasmodesmata, which are channels that allow communication and transport between adjacent cells. During cell division in plant cells, the plasmodesmata must be carefully preserved and maintained, ensuring the continuous flow of water, nutrients, and signals between cells. In animal cells, intercellular connections are not as complex, so this aspect is not a concern during cell division.
It is important to note that despite these differences, both plant and animal cells undergo the fundamental processes of mitosis or meiosis to ensure proper cell division and growth. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the overall principles of cell division apply to a wide range of organisms, but specific details may vary depending on the species and cell type.