Chapter 21 Methods for Studying Cell Division in Higher Plants

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods for studying cell division in higher plants. The study of mitosis and cytokinesis in cells of higher plants has a long and distinguished history. From the outset, the distinct parallels in mitotic processes between plant and animal cells have been apparent, leading to the conclusion that a similar substructure and mechanism underlies both. However, it was also recognized early that there are notable differences. Mitotic plant cells, for example, generally do not possess a centrosome or a highly focused spindle apparatus at the mitotic poles. During anaphase they also generally exhibit chromosome to pole motion (anaphase A) but with little pole separation (anaphase B) when compared to animal cells. Further, they accomplish cytokinesis by forming a phragmoplast and cell plate within the cell interior, which then grows outward, rather than by inward furrowing as occurs typically in animal cells. Indeed, the process of cytokinesis and cell plate formation determines the plane of division and thus plays a crucial role in defining cell shape and tissue morphogenesis for which a parallel event is not so evident in animal cells. It is for these and all the other obvious reasons that the study of cell division in plants is both interesting and important.