Question
5. What is the difference between cytokinesis in plant and animal cells? __
Answer
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Kyle
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The difference between cytokinesis in plant and animal cells lies in the process of division. In animal cells, it occurs via a process called cleavage furrow where a ring inside the cell contracts, creating an indent and separates the cell into two individual cells. Conversely, in plant cells, a new cell wall called cell plate forms from the center growing outwards, eventually forming two separate cells due to the rigidity of the plant cell wall.
Explanation
## Step 1:Cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells. The process varies in plant and animal cells due to the presence of cell walls in plant cells and their absence in the animal cells.## Step 2:In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through a process known as cleavage furrow. A contractile ring made up of actin filaments forms under the cell membrane around the middle of the cell. The actin filaments subsequently draw the ring closed, like the pulling of a drawstring, splitting the parent cell cytoplasm between the two new cells.## Step 3:On the other hand, in plant cells, a new wall forms down the middle of the parent cell. This wall, known as the cell plate, grows outward from the center to the sides of the cell leading to new cell wall development on either side of the plate. This happens due to the presence of the rigid cell wall which techniques like cleavage furrow used in animal cells cannot overcome.