cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the final step in the cell cycle, following the division of the genetic material in a process called mitosis or meiosis
Cytokinesis is the final step in the cell cycle, following the division of the genetic material in a process called mitosis or meiosis. It is the process by which the cytoplasm of a cell is divided into two daughter cells, each containing a complete set of chromosomes and other organelles.
During cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow in animal cells or a cell plate in plant cells. The formation of the cleavage furrow or cell plate is controlled by a contractile ring of proteins called actin and myosin.
In animal cells, during late telophase of mitosis, a contractile ring composed of actin and myosin filaments forms at the equatorial region of the cell. These filaments contract, causing the cleavage furrow to deepen until it completely pinches off, dividing the cell into two daughter cells. Each daughter cell contains a nucleus and organelles.
In plant cells, cytokinesis is slightly different. During late telophase, vesicles containing cell wall components and polysaccharides are brought to the equatorial region of the cell by microtubules. These vesicles fuse together and form a cell plate. The cell plate grows outwards until it reaches the cell’s periphery, dividing the cell into two daughter cells. The cell plate then develops into a new cell wall, completing cytokinesis.
Cytokinesis is a crucial process in cell division as it ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material and necessary organelles to function properly. It plays a fundamental role in growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Defects in cytokinesis can lead to various abnormalities and diseases, including cancer.
In summary, cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell into two daughter cells following mitosis or meiosis. It involves the formation of a cleavage furrow in animal cells or a cell plate in plant cells, resulting in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells.
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