Cytokinesis is the process by which a cell's cytoplasm is divided into two daughter cells during cell division. It occurs after the nuclear division (mitosis or meiosis) and is crucial for the growth, development, and reproduction of all organisms.
During cytokinesis, a specialized structure called the contractile ring forms around the equator of the cell. This ring, composed of actin and myosin proteins, contracts and constricts, pinching the parent cell into two equal parts. The contraction of the contractile ring forms a cleavage furrow, which gradually deepens until it completely separates the cytoplasm into two distinct cells.
In animal cells, cytokinesis is characterized by the formation of the cleavage furrow and the contractile ring. On the other hand, in plant cells, the presence of a rigid cell wall makes the process more complex. During cytokinesis in plant cells, a structure called the cell plate is formed in the middle of the cell and gradually develops into a new cell wall. The cell plate is made up of vesicles containing cell wall materials that fuse together, expanding and fusing with the existing cell wall to divide the cytoplasm into two cells.
Cytokinesis ensures the accurate distribution of genetic material and organelles between the daughter cells, allowing for the proper growth and functioning of organisms. It is a highly regulated process controlled by various proteins and molecular signaling pathways. Defects in cytokinesis can lead to abnormal cell division and can contribute to various diseases, such as cancer.
description of cytokinesis
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