What is cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is defined as the process that follows mitosis or meiosis, resulting in the division of the entire cell into two daughter cells. This stage is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell receives its own set of organelles and sufficient cytoplasm to support cellular functions. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm of a parental cell is split into two daughter cells, allowing for growth, reproduction, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.

In contrast, division of the nucleus refers specifically to karyokinesis, which occurs earlier in the cell cycle during mitosis or meiosis, where genetic material is separated. The formation of germ layers is related to embryonic development and cellular differentiation, while the process of fertilization involves the union of sperm and egg to form a zygote. Each of these processes serves distinct biological functions separate from cytokinesis.