Animal Cell Mitosis vs. Plant Cell Mitosis: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 30, 2023
Animal cell mitosis involves cleavage furrow formation for cytokinesis; plant cell mitosis involves cell plate formation for cytokinesis.
Key Differences
Animal cell mitosis and plant cell mitosis are processes that enable cells to divide and create two identical daughter cells. In animal cell mitosis, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow that pinches the cell into two. In plant cell mitosis, a cell plate forms during cytokinesis to separate the two new cells.
During animal cell mitosis, centrioles and spindle fibers are involved in the segregation of chromosomes. In contrast, plant cell mitosis does not involve centrioles, and the spindle fibers form without them. The difference in cellular structures between animal and plant cells results in variations in the mitotic process.
In animal cell mitosis, the cells round up and lose adhesion with neighboring cells. In plant cell mitosis, cells maintain their rigid structure due to the presence of a cell wall. The process of cytokinesis also differs, with animal cells undergoing cleavage furrow formation and plant cells forming a cell plate.
Overall, while the purpose of animal cell mitosis and plant cell mitosis is the same – to create two identical daughter cells – the processes differ in terms of the cellular structures involved and the mechanics of cytokinesis.
Comparison Chart
Cytokinesis
Occurs through cleavage furrow formation
Occurs through cell plate formation
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Centrioles and Spindle Fibers
Involve centrioles and spindle fibers
Does not involve centrioles; spindle fibers form independently
Cell Structure During Mitosis
Cells round up and lose adhesion
Cells maintain rigid structure due to cell wall
Adherence to Neighboring Cells
Lose adhesion with neighboring cells
Maintain adhesion with neighboring cells
Mechanics of Cytokinesis
Cleavage furrow pinches the cell into two
Cell plate forms to separate the two new cells
Animal Cell Mitosis and Plant Cell Mitosis Definitions
Animal Cell Mitosis
Animal cell mitosis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow during cytokinesis.
The cleavage furrow pinches the cell into two during animal cell mitosis.
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Plant Cell Mitosis
Plant cell mitosis does not require the presence of centrioles.
In plant cell mitosis, spindle fibers form independently of centrioles.
Animal Cell Mitosis
Animal cell mitosis includes phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
During metaphase of animal cell mitosis, chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
Plant Cell Mitosis
Plant cell mitosis involves the formation of a cell plate during cytokinesis.
The cell plate separates the two new cells during plant cell mitosis.
Animal Cell Mitosis
Animal cell mitosis is characterized by the rounding up of cells and loss of adhesion with neighboring cells.
Cells undergoing animal cell mitosis lose adhesion to facilitate cell division.
Plant Cell Mitosis
Plant cell mitosis includes phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
During anaphase of plant cell mitosis, sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles.
Animal Cell Mitosis
Animal cell mitosis requires the presence of centrioles and spindle fibers.
Centrioles help organize spindle fibers during animal cell mitosis.
Plant Cell Mitosis
Plant cell mitosis is the process by which a plant cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Plant cell mitosis is vital for the growth of plants.
Animal Cell Mitosis
Animal cell mitosis is the process by which an animal cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Animal cell mitosis is essential for growth and repair of tissues.
Plant Cell Mitosis
Plant cell mitosis is characterized by the maintenance of a rigid structure due to the cell wall.
The cell wall helps maintain the structure of cells during plant cell mitosis.
FAQs
What is the main difference between animal cell mitosis and plant cell mitosis?
The main difference is in the process of cytokinesis, with animal cells forming a cleavage furrow and plant cells forming a cell plate.
What is the role of the cell plate in plant cell mitosis?
The cell plate separates the two new cells during cytokinesis.
What is plant cell mitosis?
Plant cell mitosis is the process by which a plant cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
How are animal cells and plant cells similar during mitosis?
Both undergo prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase to divide into two identical daughter cells.
Are spindle fibers present in plant cell mitosis?
Yes, spindle fibers are present, but they form independently of centrioles.
What happens to the spindle fibers in plant cell mitosis?
The spindle fibers form independently of centrioles to help segregate chromosomes.
How do animal and plant cells ensure that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes?
Both animal and plant cells utilize spindle fibers to segregate chromosomes evenly between the two daughter cells.
Are centrioles involved in plant cell mitosis?
No, centrioles are not involved in plant cell mitosis.
What are the phases of animal cell mitosis?
The phases are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
How is the cell wall involved in plant cell mitosis?
The cell wall helps maintain the cell's rigid structure during mitosis.
Are centrioles involved in animal cell mitosis?
Yes, centrioles are involved and help organize spindle fibers.
What is the role of the cleavage furrow in animal cell mitosis?
The cleavage furrow pinches the cell into two during cytokinesis.
What is the purpose of plant cell mitosis?
The purpose is to create two identical daughter cells for plant growth.
How do plant cells differ from animal cells in terms of cellular structures involved in mitosis?
Plant cells have a cell wall and do not have centrioles, while animal cells have centrioles and do not have a cell wall.
What is animal cell mitosis?
Animal cell mitosis is the process by which an animal cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
How do animal cells change shape during mitosis?
Animal cells round up and lose adhesion with neighboring cells during mitosis.
What are the phases of plant cell mitosis?
The phases are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, similar to animal cell mitosis.
What is the purpose of animal cell mitosis?
The purpose is to create two identical daughter cells for growth and repair of tissues.
Is cytokinesis the same in animal and plant cell mitosis?
No, cytokinesis differs, with animal cells forming a cleavage furrow and plant cells forming a cell plate.
How do plant cells maintain their shape during mitosis?
Plant cells maintain their rigid structure due to the presence of a cell wall.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
