Cytokinesis (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes

Cytokinesis

After mitosis is complete, the cell must fully split into two identical cells. This process is called cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis in Animal Cells

• In animal cells, the cell splits in two by forming a groove called a cleavage furrow.
• This furrow forms at the spot where the chromosomes lined up during mitosis (the equator of the cell).
• The furrow deepens until the cell splits.
• Proteins such as actin and myosin pull the cell membrane inward, causing the cell to pinch in and separate into two cells.

Cytokinesis in Plant Cells

• In plant cells, the rigid cell wall prevents a cleavage furrow from forming.
• Instead, a cell plate made of cellulose and calcium forms at the equator.
• The cell plate divides the cell, eventually becoming part of the new cell walls of the two daughter cells.

infoNote

Animal cell —> Cleavage furrow Plant cell —> Cell plate, made of cellulose and calcium