Difference Between Open and Closed Mitosis

Open and closed mitosis is a fundamental process in cell division essential for growth, development, and tissue repair. Two main types of mitosis open and closed are observed in the different organisms. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between open and closed mitosis. We will also discuss their unique characteristics and mechanisms.

Difference Between Open and Closed Mitosis

The below table lists the differences between open and closed mitosis:

Characteristics	Open Mitosis	Closed Mitosis
Nucleus Status	The nucleus remains open throughout	The nucleus reforms after the mitotic phase
Presence of a Nuclear Envelope	Nuclear envelope disassembles	The nuclear envelope remains intact
Common in Organisms	Commonly found in lower organisms	Commonly found in higher organisms
Chromosome Movement	Chromosomes move freely in the cell	Chromosomes are confined in the cell
Spindle Formation	The Spindle fibers are not well-defined	The Spindle fibers are well-defined
Cytokinesis	Occurs independently of mitosis	Occurs during or after mitosis
Examples	Yeast, Fungi and some Protozoa	Mammals, Plants and most Eukaryotes

What is Open Mitosis?

Open Mitosis is also known as “free” or “semi-open” mitosis. It involves the breakdown of the nuclear envelope during entire process. It is common in higher eukaryotes including plants and fungi. When the nuclear envelope breaks down during mitosis in eukaryotic cells, the chromosomes can separate into two daughter nuclei in an open environment within the cell cytoplasm. This process is known as open mitosis.

Features of Open Mitosis

Features of open mitosis are:

• Nuclear Envelope Breakdown: The nuclear envelope disassembles in the both prophase and prometaphase.
• Spindle Formation: The spindle fibers interact with chromosomes in the open cytoplasm.
• Common in Eukaryotes: Found in the various organisms especially plants and fungi.
• Multiple Nuclei: During telophase multiple nuclei may form before the cytokinesis.

What is Closed Mitosis?

The Closed Mitosis also known as “enclosed” mitosis maintains the integrity of nuclear envelope throughout most of the process. It is prevalent in animals and some lower eukaryotes. Closed mitosis is a type of cell division in eukaryotic cells where the nuclear envelope remains intact throughout the process. Chromosomes segregate into two daughter nuclei within the nucleus, which is not exposed to the cytoplasm during mitosis. This type of mitosis is characteristic of many animal cells.

Features of Closed Mitosis

The features of closed mitosis are:

• Intact Nuclear Envelope: The nuclear envelope persists during the most stages until the final steps.
• Spindle Formation: Spindle fibers interact with the chromosomes within the nuclear envelope.
• Common in Animals: Predominant in animal cells and some lower eukaryotes.
• Single Nucleus: A single nucleus is maintained throughout the process until cytokinesis.

Similarities between Open Mitosis and Closed Mitosis

Below are some similarities between open mitosis and closed mitosis:

• Both open and closed mitosis involve the alignment of the chromosomes at the metaphase plate during the metaphase.
• Both processes lead to division of the cytoplasm and the formation of the daughter cells through cytokinesis.
• Both types of mitosis rely on the formation of spindle fibers to the segregate chromosomes during the anaphase.

Conclusion – Open and Closed Mitosis

The Mitosis is an important cellular process that ensures proper growth, development and tissue repair in organisms. These open mitosis and closed mitosis represent two different mechanisms by which cells divide and open mitosis is characterized by an open nuclear envelope throughout the division and closed mitosis involves the temporary disassembly of the nuclear envelope. Hence it is usually observed in higher organisms.

FAQs on Open and Closed Mitosis

Which Organisms Shows Open Mitosis?

The Open mitosis is commonly found in lower organisms such as yeast, fungi and some protozoa.

What are the Main Differences Between Open and Closed Mitosis?

The main differences lie in the status of the nuclear envelope the movement of the chromosomes the presence of well-defined spindle fibers and the occurrence of cytokinesis.

Why is Mitosis important in Cell Biology?

The Mitosis is crucial for the growth, development and repair of tissues in organisms. It ensures that genetic material is accurately distributed to daughter cells maintaining the stability and functionality of the organism’s cells and tissues.

Do both Types of Mitosis result in Genetically Identical Daughter Cells?

Yes, both open and closed mitosis ensure the genetic fidelity of the daughter cells.

Are there Advantages to one Type of Mitosis over the Other?

Each type of mitosis has evolved to suit the specific needs of organisms that employ them.

How does the Presence of a Cell Wall affect Mitosis in Plants (Open Mitosis)?

The breakdown of the nuclear envelope in open mitosis facilitates the movement of the chromosomes in the cytoplasm making it compatible with rigid cell wall in the plant cells.