[Campbell Biology P.291] Which of the following statements accurately compares the process o... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately compares the process of cytokinesis in animal cells and plant cells as described and depicted in Figure 12.10?

  • A: Animal cells form a cell plate by vesicles, while plant cells form a cleavage furrow involving a contractile ring of microfilaments.
  • B: Animal cells form a cleavage furrow with a contractile ring of microfilaments, whereas plant cells form a cell plate from vesicles that later develops into a new cell wall.
  • C: Both animal and plant cells primarily use a cleavage furrow for cytokinesis, but plant cells additionally form a new cell wall.
  • D: Both animal and plant cells form a cell plate, but animal cells lack a cell wall, while plant cells retain their original cell wall during division.

Explanation

Figure 12.10 illustrates the distinct mechanisms of cytokinesis in animal and plant cells. Animal cells divide by forming a cleavage furrow, which is a shallow indentation in the cell surface. This furrow deepens as a contractile ring of actin microfilaments pinches the cell in two. In contrast, plant cells, with their rigid cell walls, form a cell plate in the middle of the cell. This cell plate is formed by vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus, which fuse to create a new plasma membrane and cell wall between the two daughter cells.