Multiple Choice
In which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of the cell?
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11. Cell Division
Phases of Mitosis
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How is mitosis in plant cells different from mitosis in animal cells?
A
Animal cells undergo mitosis without spindle fibers, while plant cells use spindle fibers.
B
Plant cells form a cell plate during cytokinesis, while animal cells form a cleavage furrow.
C
Animal cells have a rigid cell wall that prevents cytokinesis, unlike plant cells.
D
Plant cells do not undergo prophase, while animal cells do.
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the process of mitosis, which is the division of a cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei, followed by cytokinesis, where the cell itself divides.
Recognize that both plant and animal cells undergo the same stages of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. However, the mechanism of cytokinesis differs between them.
In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow. This is a contractile ring composed of actin and myosin that pinches the cell membrane inward, eventually splitting the cell into two daughter cells.
In plant cells, cytokinesis is achieved by forming a cell plate. This structure develops at the center of the cell and grows outward, eventually fusing with the cell membrane to separate the two daughter cells. This is necessary due to the presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells.
Clarify that spindle fibers are indeed present in both plant and animal cells during mitosis, and they play a crucial role in separating the chromosomes. The statement that animal cells undergo mitosis without spindle fibers is incorrect.
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