What is the Difference Between Cell Plate and Cleavage Furrow?

The cell plate and cleavage furrow are structures that form during the cytokinesis stage of cell division, but they differ in their appearance and function. The main differences between cell plate and cleavage furrow are:

• Cell Plate: This structure is found only in plant cells. It is made up of the fusion of Golgi and endosomal-derived vesicles and develops in the center of the plant cell. The cell plate is responsible for forming a new cell wall between the daughter cells.
• Cleavage Furrow: This structure is found in animal cells and some algae cells. It is an indentation made through the constriction of the plasma membrane by the actomyosin. The cleavage furrow divides the cell in two.

In summary, the cell plate is a plate found only in plant cells, while the cleavage furrow is an indentation found only in animal cells and some algae cells. The cell plate develops in the center of the plant cell, whereas the cleavage furrow develops in the plasma membrane of animal or algae cells.

Comparative Table: Cell Plate vs Cleavage Furrow

The main difference between a cell plate and a cleavage furrow lies in the cells they are found in and their structure. Here is a table comparing the two:

In plant cells, cell division is achieved by constructing a cell plate made up of the fusion of Golgi and endosomal derived vesicles. This cell plate develops in the center of the plant cell and eventually forms the solid cell wall that separates the two new cells.

In animal cells, cell division is achieved by constricting the plasma membrane using the actomyosin. This constriction creates an indentation called the cleavage furrow, which tightens as the division process continues.