Contrast telophase in plant and animal mitosis.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by defining telophase as the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes arrive at opposite poles of the cell and begin to decondense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.
2. Explain that in animal cells during telophase, the cell membrane starts to pinch inward through a process called cleavage furrow formation, which eventually leads to cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm).
3. Describe that in plant cells, because of the rigid cell wall, telophase involves the formation of a cell plate at the center of the cell, which will develop into a new cell wall separating the two daughter cells.
4. Highlight that the nuclear envelope re-forms in both plant and animal cells during telophase, but the mechanism of cytoplasmic division differs due to structural differences (cell wall in plants vs. flexible membrane in animals).
5. Summarize the contrast by emphasizing that animal cells use cleavage furrow for cytokinesis, while plant cells form a cell plate, reflecting adaptations to their cellular structures.

Key Concepts

Telophase in Mitosis

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes re-form around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide. It marks the near completion of nuclear division before cytokinesis separates the cytoplasm.

Cytokinesis Differences in Plant and Animal Cells

Cytokinesis follows telophase and differs between plants and animals. Animal cells form a cleavage furrow by constricting the plasma membrane, while plant cells build a cell plate from vesicles to create a new cell wall, due to their rigid cell walls.

Cell Structure Impact on Mitosis

The presence of a rigid cell wall in plants influences how cell division occurs, necessitating the formation of a cell plate during cytokinesis. In contrast, animal cells lack a cell wall, allowing the membrane to pinch inward easily during division.