Question

What is cytokinesis? With the help of neat sketches, show how cytokinesis differs in a plant cell and animal cell. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Cytokinesis: 1 Mark
Cytokinesis in plant cells: 2 Marks
Cytokinesis in animal cells: 2 Marks

Division of cytoplasm after karyokinesis is called cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis in animal cells. Towards the end of telophase, a peripheral furrow appears in the cytoplasm, precisely in the middle of the cell. The furrow deepens and gradually reaches the centre dividing the cell into two daughter cells as shown in the figure.


Cytokinesis in plant cells. After karyokinesis, small membrane-bound vesicles settle in the form of a row in the middle of the cytoplasm. The vesicles fuse to form a cell plate. The latter changes to middle lamella on either side of which is deposited material for cell wall as shown in the figure below. The formation of cell-wall divides the cell into two.