Define cytokinesis. How is it accomplished in animal and plant cells?
The process by which the cytoplasm of the cell divides resulting in the formation of two daughter nuclei is called cytokinesis. In an animal cell, this is achieved by the appearance of a furrow in the plasma membrane. The furrow gradually deepens and ultimately joins in the centre dividing the cell cytoplasm into two. In-plant cells, wall formation starts in the centre of the cell and grows outward to meet the existing lateral walls. The formation of a new cell wall begins with the formation of a simple precursor, called the cell plate that represents the middle lamella between the walls to two adjacent cells.
