Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

11. Cell Division

Cytokinesis

General Biology

11. Cell Division

Cytokinesis

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3:37 minutes

Problem 16

Textbook Question

Compare cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.
In what ways are the two processes similar?
In what ways are they different?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process during cell division where the cytoplasm of a parent cell is divided into two daughter cells. It occurs after mitosis or meiosis and is the final step in cell division.

Identify the similarities between cytokinesis in plant and animal cells: Both processes involve the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells, ensuring that each cell receives the necessary organelles and cytoplasmic components. Additionally, both processes are tightly regulated and occur after the nuclear division.

Examine the differences in the mechanism of cytokinesis in animal cells: In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow. This furrow is created by a contractile ring composed of actin and myosin filaments, which pinches the cell membrane inward until the cell splits into two daughter cells.

Examine the differences in the mechanism of cytokinesis in plant cells: In plant cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cell plate. Vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus move to the center of the cell and fuse to form the cell plate. This plate eventually develops into a new cell wall, separating the two daughter cells.

Summarize the key differences: Animal cells use a cleavage furrow and contractile proteins for cytokinesis, while plant cells rely on vesicle fusion to form a cell plate that becomes the new cell wall. The presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells necessitates this difference in mechanism.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells. It is crucial for cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives the necessary organelles and cytoplasmic components. The mechanisms of cytokinesis can vary significantly between different types of cells, particularly between plant and animal cells.

Differences in Cytokinesis: Plant vs. Animal Cells

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through a process called cleavage furrow formation, where the cell membrane pinches inward, creating two separate cells. In contrast, plant cells form a cell plate at the center of the cell, which eventually develops into a new cell wall. This difference arises from the presence of a rigid cell wall in plants, which necessitates a distinct mechanism for cell division.

Similarities in Cytokinesis

Despite the differences in mechanisms, both plant and animal cells undergo cytokinesis as a means to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material and cellular components. Both processes are regulated by similar signaling pathways and involve the cytoskeleton, which plays a critical role in the physical separation of the cells. Additionally, both types of cells complete cytokinesis after the nuclear division, ensuring proper cell cycle progression.

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Compare cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.In what ways are the two processes similar?In what ways are they different?

Key Concepts

Cytokinesis

Differences in Cytokinesis: Plant vs. Animal Cells

Similarities in Cytokinesis

Watch next

Compare cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.
In what ways are the two processes similar?
In what ways are they different?