Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells.
What is Cytokinesis?
The process by which the cytoplasm of a cell divides to form two daughter cells.
Key points
- Understand the definition and purpose of cytokinesis.
- Differentiate between cytokinesis in animal and plant cells.
- Explain the role of the cleavage furrow and cell plate.
- Relate cytokinesis to the overall cell division process.
Common exam trap
Confusing cytokinesis with mitosis/meiosis (nuclear division).
Definitions
- Term
Cytokinesis
- Meaning
The process by which the cytoplasm of a cell divides to form two daughter cells.
- Term
Cleavage Furrow
- Meaning
A transient indentation formed on the surface of an animal cell during cytokinesis, which deepens to divide the cell.
- Term
Cell Plate
- Meaning
A structure formed during cytokinesis in plant cells, which develops into a new cell wall separating the daughter cells.
Learning objectives
Understand the definition and purpose of cytokinesis.
Differentiate between cytokinesis in animal and plant cells.
Explain the role of the cleavage furrow and cell plate.
Relate cytokinesis to the overall cell division process.
Prerequisites
Mitosis
Meiosis
Cell Structure (Cell Membrane, Cell Wall, Golgi Apparatus)
Cytoskeleton (Actin, Myosin)
Common mistakes
Confusing cytokinesis with mitosis/meiosis (nuclear division).
Not recognizing the difference in mechanism between plant and animal cell cytokinesis.
Assuming cytokinesis is a part of karyokinesis.
Keywords
Cytokinesis
Cell Division
Cytoplasm
Daughter Cells
Cleavage Furrow
Cell Plate
Animal Cell
Plant Cell
Mitosis
Meiosis
Practice preview
Cytokinesis in plant cells differs from animal cells primarily because:…
easy
Which of the following statements about cytokinesis is INCORRECT?…
hard
Which phase of the cell cycle is immediately followed by cytokinesis?…
easy