CYTOKINESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cytokinesis is a biological process that involves the division of the cytoplasm and the separation of the two daughter cells following nuclear division in eukaryotic cells. It is a vital step in the cell cycle that ensures the proper distribution of genetic material and organelles to each daughter cell.
During cytokinesis, after the nuclear material has been evenly segregated into two daughter nuclei by the process of mitosis or meiosis, the cytoplasm begins to divide. This division is achieved through the constriction and subsequent pinching off of the dividing cell by a ring of contractile proteins called the contractile ring. In animal cells, this contraction is carried out by actin and myosin filaments, while in plant cells, it involves the formation of a cell plate.
The contractile ring gradually tightens, creating a physical barrier between the two daughter cells. This results in the formation of two separate cells, each containing a nucleus and a portion of the cytoplasmic contents. The final stage of cytokinesis is the completion of cell division, where the newly formed cells separate completely, and their respective cell membranes fully reform.
Cytokinesis is a crucial process for the growth, development, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. It ensures the proper distribution of cellular components and maintains the balance of cell size and number. Any disruptions in cytokinesis can lead to abnormal cell division, which may result in genetic disorders, developmental defects, and even cancer.
Common Misspellings for CYTOKINESIS
Etymology of CYTOKINESIS
The word "cytokinesis" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: "cyto" meaning "cell", and "kinesis" meaning "movement". Together, cytokinesis refers to the process of cell division, specifically the division of the cytoplasm during mitosis or meiosis.
Similar spelling words for CYTOKINESIS
- cytokine,
- cytogeneticist,
- stockinesses,
- Cytokineses,
- cytokinetic,
- cytogenesis,
- cytogenetics,
- cytogenetic,
- cytogenetical,
- stickinesses,
- cytosine,
- cytokinin.
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