During cell division, the process of a dividing the cytoplasm is called:
The correct answer and explanation is:
The process of dividing the cytoplasm during cell division is called cytokinesis. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division, occurring after mitosis or meiosis. It is the mechanism by which the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.
In animal cells, cytokinesis typically begins during the late stages of mitosis, specifically during anaphase or telophase, when the contractile ring forms. This contractile ring is made of actin filaments, which contract and pinch the cell membrane in the middle, creating a cleavage furrow. As the ring contracts, it eventually divides the cell into two distinct daughter cells, each containing a full set of organelles and sufficient resources to sustain the new cell.
In plant cells, the process is slightly different due to the rigid cell wall. Instead of a cleavage furrow, vesicles containing cell wall materials move to the center of the cell, where they fuse to form the cell plate. Over time, the cell plate matures into a new cell wall, which separates the two daughter cells.
Cytokinesis ensures that each daughter cell receives a sufficient share of the cytoplasm and organelles necessary for survival and function. It also plays a crucial role in regulating the overall balance of cells within tissues and organs. The process of cytokinesis is essential for maintaining the integrity of tissues and ensuring proper growth and development in multicellular organisms.