Biology · Cell Cycle

Phragmoplast is a plant cell structure that plays a crucial role during cytokinesis. It consists of microtubules, actin filaments, and other molecules that facilitate the formation of the cell plate, which becomes the new cell wall separating the daughter cells. This structure is not involved in earlier phases of mitosis such as metaphase or anaphase, where the focus is on chromosome alignment and separation. It begins to form during telophase but is primarily associated with cytokinesis.

a) Metaphase:

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of the cell. The phragmoplast is not involved in this stage as it is related to cell wall formation. 

b) Anaphase:

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles. The phragmoplast is not formed during this stage as it is more related to cytokinesis. 

c) Telophase:

In telophase, chromatids reach opposite poles and start to decondense. The initial components of the phragmoplast may appear, but it fully functions during cytokinesis. 

d) Cytokinesis:

The phragmoplast is actively involved in cytokinesis in plant cells. It guides the formation of the cell plate, which eventually develops into the new cell wall between the daughter cells.