What is the Difference Between Animal and Plant Mitosis?

The main difference between animal and plant mitosis lies in the process of cytokinesis. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Cell Shape: Animal cells can have flexible shapes, while plant cells have a rigid shape and are designed to carry out photosynthesis.
2. Spindle Formation: In plant cells, spindles are formed without the use of centrioles, while in animal cells, spindle formation is facilitated by centrioles.
3. Cytokinesis: In plant cells, a cell plate is formed in the parent cell, growing outwards until the cell divides. In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs by pinching and forming a cleavage furrow.
4. Cell Plate vs. Cleavage: The cell plate in plants grows centrifugally, from the inside out, while the cleavage furrow in animal cells proceeds centripetally, from the outside in.
5. Spindle Degeneration: In animal cells, the mitotic spindle degenerates before the cell divides, while spindle fibers persist in plant cells.
6. Hormone Control: Plant mitosis is controlled by the hormone cytokinin, while animal mitosis is regulated by several factors such as EGF, PDGF, and lymphokines.
7. Occurrence: Mitosis in plants primarily takes place in the meristematic tissues, while in animals, mitosis can occur in all body parts except for the reproductive cells.

Comparative Table: Animal vs Plant Mitosis

Here is a table comparing the differences between animal and plant mitosis:

Both animal and plant mitosis occur to increase the number of cells in the body, to repair body tissues, and to regenerate body parts. Both processes occur in four major steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and are followed by cytoplasmic division.