Cytokinesis

Definition

Cytokinesis is the process during which the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell divides to form two daughter cells. It typically occurs at the end of mitosis or meiosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cytokinesis usually follows the final stage of mitosis, known as telophase.
2. In animal cells, cytokinesis is characterized by the formation of a cleavage furrow that pinches the cell into two separate entities.
3. Plant cells undergo cytokinesis through the formation of a cell plate that eventually develops into a separating wall.
4. The process ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal and adequate amount of cytoplasm and organelles.
5. Cytokinesis is regulated by various proteins and cellular structures, including actin filaments and myosin motor proteins.

Review Questions

• What structural differences characterize cytokinesis in plant cells versus animal cells?
• At what stage of cell division does cytokinesis typically occur?
• Which cellular components are actively involved in facilitating cytokinesis?

Related terms

Mitosis:

A type of cell division where one parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis:

A specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically distinct daughter cells.

Cleavage Furrow: A contractile ring that forms around the middle of an animal cell during cytokinesis, leading to its division into two daughter cells.