How does cytokinesis differ between plant and animal cells?

Cytokinesis is the final process of cell division, and it occurs differently in plant and animal cells due to their structural characteristics.

In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow, which is an indentation that begins to form on the surface of the cell. This furrow is created by the contraction of a ring of actin and myosin filaments underneath the plasma membrane. As the filaments contract, they pull the membrane inward, leading to the physical separation of the two daughter cells. This method of division is efficient in the flexible and softer structure of animal cells.

Conversely, in plant cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cell plate, which is necessary because plant cells have rigid cell walls. During cytokinesis, vesicles containing cell wall materials collect at the center of the dividing cell. These vesicles fuse to form a structure called the cell plate. This plate expands outward until it fuses with the existing cell membrane, creating two daughter cells, each with its own cell wall. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of plant cell structures and ensuring that the new cells are properly enclosed.

Understanding these mechanisms highlights the adaptability of different cell types to their environments and structures, with plant and animal cells