Cytokinesis (AQA AS Biology): Revision Note

Cytokinesis

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

• It follows reformation 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