What is cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is really just a fancy word for cell division. It is an important stage in both mitosis and meiosis that allows 2 new cells to be produced from 1. The way this is achieved is through the use of a contractile ring.A contractile ring is just a ring of proteins within the cell that form a ring around the edge of the cell, under the cell membrane. They are able 'contract'/'pinch'/'shrink'/or 'make smaller'. Imagine a ring that's placed around a marshmallow that's able to squeeze and squeeze until one marshmallow becomes two.As the contractile ring squeezes, it pinches the cell membrane so much to the point that a cleavage furrow forms.A cleavage furrow is really just a inward folding or a little ridge of the cell membrane formed due to the squeezing.Eventually, the ring squeezes so much that the cell is able to divide along the cleavage furrow so that 2 cells are formed from the original.Each cell is surrounded by its own plasma membrane and has the ability to undergo cytokinesis all over again!

Answered by Divine A. Biology tutor

5332 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

(a) Name the organs which produce each of the following hormones. Choose from this list. ovaries brain liver stomach pancreas testes kidney (i) testosterone. (1 mark, 1 li


What is a synapse and how is information transmitted across it?


What role does auxin play in the processes of phototropism?


Which of the basic life processes is described here? The ability of multicellular organisms to regulate their internal environment so that it stays optimum for cellular survival.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences