Contrast telophase in plant and animal mitosis.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Understanding mitosis is crucial for contrasting the final stages in different organisms, as it highlights the similarities and differences in cellular processes.

Telophase

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis, where the chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell and begin to de-condense back into chromatin. In this phase, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes. The differences in telophase between plant and animal cells are significant, particularly in how cytokinesis occurs.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, resulting in the physical separation of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. In animal cells, this occurs through a cleavage furrow that pinches the cell membrane. In contrast, plant cells form a cell plate that develops into a new cell wall, reflecting the structural differences between these two types of cells.