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Cytokinesis definitions

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  • Cytokinesis
    Final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm splits, resulting in two distinct daughter cells.
  • Mitotic Spindle
    Cellular structure that positions the division site before disassembling at the end of mitosis.
  • Cleavage Furrow
    Indentation of the plasma membrane marking where the cell will divide during the last step of mitosis.
  • Contractile Ring
    Structure composed of actin and myosin that generates force to physically separate two daughter cells.
  • Actin
    Cytoskeletal protein forming part of the contractile ring, essential for generating the force needed for cell separation.
  • Myosin
    Motor protein in the contractile ring that interacts with actin to constrict the cell membrane during division.
  • Rho A
    GTPase protein that initiates the assembly of the contractile ring by hydrolyzing GTP.
  • Symmetrical Division
    Process where both daughter cells receive equal portions of organelles and chromosomes after division.
  • Asymmetrical Division
    Process where daughter cells receive unequal cellular contents, often to support specialized cell functions.
  • Daughter Cell
    One of the two new cells formed after the cytoplasm divides, each inheriting half the original cell's contents.
  • Phragmoplast
    Plant cell structure composed of microtubules that guides the formation of the new cell wall during division.
  • Cell Plate
    Precursor structure to the plant cell wall, assembled at the division site before the wall fully forms.
  • Microtubule
    Cytoskeletal filament involved in positioning the division site and assembling the phragmoplast in plant cells.
  • Plasma Membrane
    Cell boundary that puckers inward at the cleavage furrow, ultimately separating the two new cells.
  • Organelle
    Intracellular structure that must be evenly distributed between daughter cells during cytokinesis.