FtsZ is a bacterial cytoskeletal protein that forms a contractile ring involved in binary fission. Its function is analogous to ________.

• A. the cleavage furrow of eukaryotic animal cells.
• B. the cell plate of eukaryotic plant cells.
• C. the mitotic spindle of eukaryotic cells.
• D. the microtubule-organizing center of eukaryotic cells.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of FtsZ in bacterial cells: FtsZ is a protein that assembles into a ring at the future site of cell division, playing a crucial role in cytokinesis during binary fission.
2. Recognize the function of the cleavage furrow in eukaryotic animal cells: The cleavage furrow is a contractile ring that forms during cytokinesis, leading to the division of the cytoplasm and the formation of two daughter cells.
3. Compare the function of FtsZ with the cleavage furrow: Both FtsZ and the cleavage furrow are involved in the process of cell division by forming a contractile structure that helps in the separation of the cell into two parts.
4. Consider the other options: The cell plate in plant cells is involved in forming a new cell wall during division, the mitotic spindle is involved in chromosome separation, and the microtubule-organizing center is involved in organizing microtubules, none of which directly form a contractile ring.
5. Conclude that the function of FtsZ is most analogous to the cleavage furrow of eukaryotic animal cells, as both are involved in forming a contractile structure during cell division.