Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cytokinesis is the process during cell division in which the cytoplasm of a parent cell divides, resulting in two daughter cells. It occurs after nuclear division (mitosis or meiosis), completing the cell division process.
Mitosis is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA and divides its nucleus, ensuring each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Cell cycle: The cell cycle is a series of stages that lead to cell division and duplication (reproduction) of DNA to produce two daughter cells.
Cleavage furrow: The cleavage furrow is an indentation that appears in the cell's surface during cytokinesis, marking where the cell will be pinched in two