Cytokinesis

Definition

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm divides to form two separate daughter cells. It typically follows mitosis or meiosis, ensuring each daughter cell has its own set of organelles and sufficient cytoplasmic material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cytokinesis occurs after the completion of mitosis or meiosis.
2. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms to divide the cytoplasm.
3. In plant cells, a cell plate forms to separate the two new cells.
4. Cytokinesis ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal amount of cytoplasmic material and organelles.
5. The process is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.

Review Questions

• What structural formation helps animal cells undergo cytokinesis?
• How does cytokinesis differ between plant and animal cells?
• Why is cytokinesis important for cellular function?

Related terms

Mitosis: The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that results in two identical daughter nuclei.

Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells.

Cleavage Furrow: The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.