A LevelBiologyAQARevision NotesCell StructureCell Division in Eukaryotic & Prokaryotic CellsCytokinesis

Cytokinesis (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 7402

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Ruth Brindle

Updated on

Cytokinesis

  • Cytokinesis occurs after telophase and so is not a part of mitosis

  • It follows re-formation of the nuclear envelope at each pole and involves the division of the cytoplasm

  • This produces two genetically identical daughter cells

Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells

  • Animal cells:

    • A cleavage furrow forms

    • The membrane pinches inwards to separate cells

  • Plant cells:

    • A cell plate forms at the metaphase plate

    • New cell walls are built from the cell plate to separate cells

Diagram comparing cell division in animal and plant cells. Top: animal cell, cleavage furrow, contractile ring. Bottom: plant cell, cell plate formation.
Cytokinesis in an animal cell and a plant cell

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember cytokinesis is not a stage of mitosis, it is a process that occurs after mitosis!


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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Ruth Brindle

Reviewer: Ruth Brindle

Expertise: Biology Content Creator

Ruth graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Biology and went on to teach Science in London whilst also completing an MA in innovation in Education. With 10 years of teaching experience across the 3 key science disciplines, Ruth decided to set up a tutoring business to support students in her local area. Ruth has worked with several exam boards and loves to use her experience to produce educational materials which make the mark schemes accessible to all students.

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