Which feature most likely accounts for the difference between plant and animal cell cytokinesis?

• A. The use of spindle fibers during mitosis
• B. The presence of mitochondria in animal cells
• C. The number of chromosomes in the cells
• D. The presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that occurs after mitosis, resulting in two daughter cells. In both plant and animal cells, this process ensures the physical separation of the cells.
2. Recognize the structural difference between plant and animal cells: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, while animal cells do not. This structural difference plays a key role in how cytokinesis occurs in each type of cell.
3. Examine cytokinesis in animal cells: In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow. The cell membrane pinches inward, aided by a contractile ring of actin and myosin proteins, until the two daughter cells are separated.
4. Examine cytokinesis in plant cells: In plant cells, the rigid cell wall prevents the formation of a cleavage furrow. Instead, a cell plate forms at the center of the cell, created by vesicles from the Golgi apparatus. This cell plate eventually develops into a new cell wall, separating the two daughter cells.
5. Conclude the key difference: The presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells accounts for the difference in cytokinesis mechanisms between plant and animal cells. This structural feature necessitates the formation of a cell plate in plant cells, while animal cells use a cleavage furrow.