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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cleavage and Cell Division?

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Cleavage and cell division are two different biological processes that involve the replication and fragmentation of cells. The main differences between them are:

  1. Definition: Cleavage refers to the division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells, while cell division involves the replication of genetic material and the division of cells into daughter cells.
  2. Stage: Cleavage is the second step in the process of cell division, responsible for splitting the parent cell into two daughter cells. In contrast, cell division occurs in two main steps – nuclear division (interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) followed by cytokinesis.
  3. Occurrence: Cleavage is a part of the cell division process and is mainly observed in the early embryo. On the other hand, cell division can occur in various stages of an organism's life cycle, both in multicellular and unicellular organisms.
  4. Types: Cleavage has four types – total, partial, dispersion, and holoblastic. In contrast, cell division occurs in two ways – mitosis and meiosis.

In summary, cleavage is a part of the cell division process that involves the division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells, while cell division involves the replication of genetic material and the division of cells into daughter cells. Cleavage mainly occurs in the early embryo, whereas cell division can occur at various stages of an organism's life cycle, including both multicellular and unicellular organisms.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cleavage and Cell Division?
  • Comparative Table: Cleavage vs Cell Division

    • Comparative Table: Cleavage vs Cell Division

    Here is a table comparing the differences between cleavage and cell division:

    Feature Cleavage Cell Division
    Definition Cleavage refers to the complete division of the cytoplasm into two different cells, resulting in new cells from the parent cells. Cell division is the overall process that results in new cells from the parent cells, occurring in two ways: mitosis and meiosis.
    Occurrence Cleavage occurs at the end of the telophase of mitosis and at the end of the telophase II of meiosis. It is also a crucial step in the cell cycle. Cell division involves interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. It is common to both animal and plant cells.
    Cytoplasmic Division Cleavage is the actual event that results in new cells from the parent cells, particularly the cytoplasm of the parent cell splitting into the cytoplasms of the two daughter cells. Cell division encompasses two major steps: nuclear division (karyokinesis) and cytoplasmic division (cytokinesis). Nuclear division involves the replication and distribution of chromosomes into two daughter cells, while cytoplasmic division involves the splitting of the cytoplasm.
    Size Cleavage usually results in decreased cell size and occurs only in animal cells. Cell division can result in steady cell size and occurs in both plant and animal cells.

    In summary, cleavage is a specific step in the cell division process responsible for dividing the cytoplasm and forming new cells, while cell division is the broader process that includes nuclear division and cytoplasmic division to produce new cells from parent cells.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.