Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

16. Cell Division

Cytokinesis

Cell Biology

16. Cell Division

Cytokinesis

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Multiple Choice

Which cellular structures are primarily responsible for the division of the cytoplasm during cytokinesis in animal cells?

Mitotic spindle fibers

Golgi apparatus vesicles

Contractile ring composed of actin and myosin filaments

Nuclear envelope

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Understand the process of cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division, where the cytoplasm is divided to form two daughter cells. This process is distinct from mitosis, which involves the division of the nucleus.

Identify the cellular structures involved: In animal cells, the division of the cytoplasm is primarily facilitated by a structure called the contractile ring, which is composed of actin and myosin filaments.

Explain the role of the contractile ring: The contractile ring forms beneath the plasma membrane at the site of the cleavage furrow. Actin filaments provide structural support, while myosin filaments generate the force needed for contraction.

Describe the mechanism of action: The contractile ring contracts through the interaction of actin and myosin, similar to muscle contraction. This contraction pinches the cell membrane inward, creating a cleavage furrow that deepens until the cell is split into two.

Clarify why other structures are not responsible: Mitotic spindle fibers are involved in chromosome segregation, Golgi apparatus vesicles are involved in membrane trafficking, and the nuclear envelope is related to nuclear division, not cytoplasmic division.