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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cytokinesis and Mitosis?

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Mitosis and cytokinesis are two distinct phases of cell division in eukaryotic cells. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Mitosis is the division of the nucleus, during which a whole cell divides. It occurs in four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Mitosis results in two daughter nuclei.
  • Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm and the final stage of cell division. It occurs after mitosis and results in the formation of two daughter cells, each containing a nucleus. Cytokinesis takes less time to complete than mitosis.

During cytokinesis, the process of cell division varies between animal and plant cells:

  • In animal cells, the plasma membrane of the parent cell pinches inward along the cell's equator until two daughter cells are formed.
  • In plant cells, a cell plate forms along the equator of the parent cell. Then, a new plasma membrane and cell wall form along each side of the cell plate.

In summary, while mitosis focuses on the division of the nucleus, cytokinesis involves the division of the cytoplasm and the formation of two daughter cells. Both processes are essential steps in the cell cycle, ensuring the accurate transmission of genetic information to the daughter cells.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cytokinesis and Mitosis?
  • Comparative Table: Cytokinesis vs Mitosis

    • Comparative Table: Cytokinesis vs Mitosis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between cytokinesis and mitosis:

    Feature Cytokinesis Mitosis
    Definition Cytokinesis refers to the division of the cytoplasm and the formation of two daughter cells. Mitosis involves the division and duplication of the cell's nucleus, or the separation of duplicated chromosomes.
    Phases Cytokinesis occurs after mitosis and usually begins just as mitosis is ending. Mitosis has four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
    Cell Division Types Cytokinesis is the final stage of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell division. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent.
    Process Duration Cytokinesis takes place after interphase and occurs throughout a shorter time period than mitosis. Mitosis takes place throughout a longer time period than cytokinesis.
    Animal Cell Division In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a contractile ring that contracts inward, creating a cleavage furrow. In animal cells, mitosis involves the condensation of DNA into visible chromosomes and the separation of chromosomes using microtubules.
    Plant Cell Division In plant cells, a cell plate forms along the equator of the parent cell, and a new plasma membrane and cell wall form along each side of the cell plate during cytokinesis. The mitotic process in plant cells is similar to that in animal cells, with the condensation of DNA into visible chromosomes and the separation of chromosomes using microtubules.

    Both cytokinesis and mitosis are essential processes for producing new cells in multicellular organisms.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.