Mitosis and cytokinesis are essential processes in cell division, leading to the formation of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.
During mitosis, the duplicated chromosomes are separated into two nuclei. This consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring that the genetic material is accurately distributed. Once mitosis is complete, the cell enters cytokinesis.
Cytokinesis is the process that divides the cytoplasm of the parent cell into two daughter cells. In animal cells, this often occurs through a contractile ring that pinches the cell in two. In plant cells, a cell plate is formed to separate the new cells.
As a result, the final outcome of mitosis and cytokinesis is the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell. These two cells can then enter their own cycle of growth and division.