Chapter 2, Section 3
Stage 3: Cytokinesis
The final stage of the cell cycle, which is called cytokinesis (sy toh kih nee sis), completes the process of cell division. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm divides. The organelles are distributed into each of the two new cells. Cytokinesis usually starts at about the same time as telophase. When cytokinesis is complete, two new cells, or daughter cells, have formed. Each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell. At the end of cytokinesis, each cell enters interphase, and the cycle begins again.
Figure 13Cytokinesis in Plant Cells During cytokinesis in plant cells, a cell plate forms between the two new nuclei.
Cytokinesis in Animal Cells
During cytokinesis in animal cells, the cell membrane squeezes together around the middle of the cell. The cytoplasm pinches into two cells. Each daughter cell gets about half of the organelles.
Cytokinesis in Plant Cells
Cytokinesis is somewhat different in plant cells. A plant cell’s rigid cell wall cannot squeeze together in the same way that a cell membrane can. Instead, a structure called a cell plate forms across the middle of the cell. The cell plate gradually develops into new cell membranes between the two daughter cells. New cell walls then form around the cell membranes.
