BRAINCAKECytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. It follows nuclear division (mitosis) and usually begins during late telophase. Mitosis divides the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the rest of the cell.
In animal cells, a ring of protein filaments (actin and myosin) just beneath the cell surface membrane contracts around the equator of the cell. This pulls the membrane inwards to form a cleavage furrow, which deepens until the membrane pinches apart, giving two cells.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- middle lamella
- A layer rich in calcium pectate between the cell walls of neighbouring plant cells, which glues them together.
More in The Cell Cycle
All 18 lessons in The Cell Cycle · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics