Open Question
An organism called a plasmodial slime mold is one large cytoplasmic mass with many nuclei. Explain how such a 'megacell' could form.
11. Cell Division
Cytokinesis
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FtsZ is a bacterial cytoskeletal protein that forms a contractile ring involved in binary fission. Its function is analogous to ________.
A
the cleavage furrow of eukaryotic animal cells.
B
the cell plate of eukaryotic plant cells.
C
the mitotic spindle of eukaryotic cells.
D
the microtubule-organizing center of eukaryotic cells.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of FtsZ in bacterial cells: FtsZ is a protein that assembles into a ring at the future site of cell division, playing a crucial role in cytokinesis during binary fission.
Recognize the function of the cleavage furrow in eukaryotic animal cells: The cleavage furrow is a contractile ring that forms during cytokinesis, leading to the division of the cytoplasm and the formation of two daughter cells.
Compare the function of FtsZ with the cleavage furrow: Both FtsZ and the cleavage furrow are involved in the process of cell division by forming a contractile structure that helps in the separation of the cell into two parts.
Consider the other options: The cell plate in plant cells is involved in forming a new cell wall during division, the mitotic spindle is involved in chromosome separation, and the microtubule-organizing center is involved in organizing microtubules, none of which directly form a contractile ring.
Conclude that the function of FtsZ is most analogous to the cleavage furrow of eukaryotic animal cells, as both are involved in forming a contractile structure during cell division.
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