The division of cytoplasm to form two daughter cells after nuclear division is called cytokinesis.
Definitions [5]
Definition: Centromere
The two sister chromatids remain attached to each other at a small region called centromere.
Definition: Spindle Fibres
A number of fibres appear between the two daughter centrioles, which are called the spindle fibres.
Definition: Karyokinesis
All the nuclear changes that occur during cell division are collectively termed karyokinesis (karyo: nucleus).
Definition: Cytokinesis
Definition: Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to the duplication of its DNA and the subsequent division of the cell to produce two daughter cells.
Key Points
Key Points: Karyokinesis
Karyokinesis is the division of the nucleus during mitosis, ensuring equal distribution of chromosomes into two daughter nuclei.
It occurs in four continuous phases:
- Prophase – Chromosomes condense and become visible; nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear; spindle fibres form.
- Metaphase – Chromosomes align at the cell's equator and attach to spindle fibres via centromeres.
- Anaphase – Centromeres split; sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
- Telophase – Chromatids decondense into chromatin; nuclear envelope and nucleolus reappear around each set of chromosomes.
Key Points: Cytokinesis
- Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that follows nuclear division (karyokinesis), resulting in the formation of two separate daughter cells.
- In animal cells, it occurs by the formation of a cleavage furrow, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms at the centre to divide the cytoplasm.
Key Points: Cell Cycle
- The cell cycle is a series of steps by which a cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and divides to form two daughter cells.
- It has two main phases: Interphase (growth and preparation) and M-phase (mitosis or actual division).
- This cycle ensures orderly cell growth, DNA replication, and equal distribution of genetic material.
