This deep dive covers Cytokinesis: Dividing the Cytoplasm within Mitosis and the Cell Cycle for GCSE Biology. Cell division by mitosis, cell cycle phases, chromosome behavior, cytokinesis differences, stem cells, cancer, and practical investigations It is section 7 of 19 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
✂️ Cytokinesis: Dividing the Cytoplasm
After nuclear division (mitosis), the cytoplasm must also divide to create two separate cells. This process differs between plant and animal cells:
🐾 Animal Cells
- Cell membrane pinches inward from opposite sides
- Forms a cleavage furrow that deepens
- Contractile ring of proteins squeezes the cell
- Eventually pinches completely to form two cells
- Process is like squeezing a balloon in the middle
🌱 Plant Cells
- Cell wall prevents pinching like in animals
- New cell wall forms from inside out
- Cell plate grows outward from center
- Cell plate eventually meets existing cell wall
- Two new cells with complete cell walls formed
Practice questions for Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
What is mitosis?
Describe what happens during interphase to prepare a cell for mitosis.
Quick recall flashcards
Define mitosis
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division that produces two genetically identical diploid cells from one diploid cell. It is used for growth and repair in multicellular organisms.
Give three reasons why cells divide
1. Growth - increasing cell numbers for organism development
2. Repair - replacing damaged or dead cells
3. Asexual reproduction - creating identical offspring