Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells. It occurs concurrently with two types of nuclear division called mitosis and meiosis, which occur in the cell nucleus.

Overview

Cytokinesis is a fundamental process that occurs in all multicellular organisms. It is the final step in the cell cycle, following mitosis or meiosis, and is essential for the separation of the two daughter cells. The process of cytokinesis is coordinated with nuclear division and typically begins during anaphase or telophase.

Process

The process of cytokinesis differs between animal and plant cells. In animal cells, cytokinesis begins with the formation of a cleavage furrow, which pinches the cell membrane inwards. This is driven by a contractile ring of actin and myosin filaments. The furrow deepens until the cell is pinched in two, forming two separate cells each with its own nucleus.

In plant cells, cytokinesis begins with the formation of a cell plate in the center of the cell. This cell plate grows outwards, fusing with the cell wall and dividing the cell into two. The cell plate is composed of cellulose and other polysaccharides, and is synthesized by the Golgi apparatus.

Significance

Cytokinesis is crucial for cell proliferation and tissue growth and repair. Defects in cytokinesis can lead to cell death or the formation of cells with multiple nuclei, which can contribute to cancer and other diseases.

See also

• Cell cycle
• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• Cell division

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