Which statement describes cytokinesis in animal cells?

Which statement describes cytokinesis in animal cells?

• A. No centrosomes present; a cell plate forms
• B. Cleavage, 2 daughter cells separate
• C. The chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends
• D. Chromosomes line up at the cell equator

Answer: (B)

Cytokinesis in animal cells finishes cell division by splitting the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. After the chromosomes have been segregated, an actin-based contractile ring just beneath the plasma membrane tightens, creating a cleavage furrow that pinches the membrane inward until the cell divides. This is how two genetically identical daughter cells arise in animals. The other descriptions refer to events in mitosis: one describes the chromosomes moving to opposite poles (anaphase), and the other describes chromosomes aligning at the cell’s equator (metaphase). In plants, cytokinesis happens differently, through building a cell plate, not a cleavage furrow, so that part doesn’t apply to animal cells.

Cytokinesis in animal cells finishes cell division by splitting the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. After the chromosomes have been segregated, an actin-based contractile ring just beneath the plasma membrane tightens, creating a cleavage furrow that pinches the membrane inward until the cell divides. This is how two genetically identical daughter cells arise in animals. The other descriptions refer to events in mitosis: one describes the chromosomes moving to opposite poles (anaphase), and the other describes chromosomes aligning at the cell’s equator (metaphase). In plants, cytokinesis happens differently, through building a cell plate, not a cleavage furrow, so that part doesn’t apply to animal cells.