Difference Between Karyokinesis And Cytokinesis: Overview, FAQs

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:55 PM IST

Mitosis are Meiosis are the types of cell division seen in organisms. Mitosis occurs in somatic cells, while Meiosis occurs in germinal cells. Mitosis and Meiosis are topics of the chapter Cell Cycle and Cell Division in Biology.

Definition of Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis

Mitosis is the concept that describes when a parent cell undergoes division to produce one or more daughter cells that contain genomes. It is a primary necessity for the growth, development, and reproductive activities of all the existing life forms. In mitosis, karyokinesis which is the division of the nucleus guarantees that the two daughter cells have an alike genetic material while cytokinesis which is the division of the cytoplasm of the cell splits the cellular contents to produce distinct cells. It creates new tissues and cells, repairs damaged ones and reproduces their kind, therefore making life and genetic reproduction go on in successive generations.

This Story also Contains

Definition of Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis
Differences between Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis
What is Karyokinesis?
What is Cytokinesis?
Biological Significance of Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis
Common Errors and Anomalies

Difference Between Karyokinesis And Cytokinesis: Overview, FAQs

Differences between Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis

The following draws the comparison between karyokinesis and cytokinesis

Aspect	Karyokinesis	Cytokinesis
Definition and Process Comparison	Division of the nucleus during cell division.	Division of the cytoplasm and organelles to form two daughter cells.
Timing within the Cell Cycle	Occurs during the M phase (mitosis or meiosis).	Follows immediately after karyokinesis, in the M phase.
Mechanisms Involved	Involves processes like condensation of chromosomes, alignment at the metaphase plate, and separation of chromatids.	In animal cells, involves the formation of a cleavage furrow by contractile ring proteins (actin and myosin). In plant cells, involves the formation of a cell plate from Golgiderived vesicles.
Structural Changes in the Cell	Chromosomes condense and align during metaphase; the nuclear envelope breaks down during anaphase.	Cell membrane or cell wall invaginates or forms between the two nuclei, dividing the cytoplasm and organelles into two separate daughter cells.

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What is Karyokinesis?

Karyokinesis is a process through which a nucleus gets divided in the process of mitosis or meiosis to make two or more Daughter nuclei.

Phases of Karyokinesis

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and can be observed with light microscopy however, it is not recommended. There is discontinuity of the nuclear envelope, and spindle fibres develop.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align themselves in the middle of the developing cell wall, also called the metaphase plate. Spindle fibres connect to the kinetochores in the centromeres of every chromosome.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids begin to separate and move closer to the poles of the cell which is due to spindle fibers.

Telophase

Chromatids also get deposited to the poles and tend to decondense into chromatin. Membrane Lt a new nuclear envelope is formed for each set of chromosomes.

Karyokinesis

Significance of Karyokinesis in Cell Division

Karyokinesis guarantees that every daughter cell gets a full set and an identical copy of the genetic information. It preserves the genetic continuity between generations of cells, the growth and repair, as well as the division and reproduction of multicellular organisms.

What is Cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the last phase of cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells each having its nucleus, from a single parental cell.

Process of Cytokinesis in different types of Cells

Cytokinesis in Animal Cells (Cleavage Furrow)

In animal cells, cytokinesis is distinguished by the formation of a cleavage furrow and this pinches the cell into two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis in Plant cells (Cell plate formation)

The plant cells in the process of cytokinesis initiate a cell plate at the equator of the dividing cell that later on differentiates into a new cell wall, which is found separating the daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

Significance of Cytokinesis in Cell Division

Cytokinesis makes certain that equal numbers of organelles and genes are passed from the parent cell to each daughter cell for growth, tissue repair in multicellular organisms, and reproduction. It preserves the shape of the cell and also helps in the transportation of necessary cellular components for the working of each new cell.

Biological Significance of Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis

The biological significance is discussed below:

Role in Growth and Development

Cytokinesis finalises the cell division to create two daughter cells that may further grow and develop tissues and/or organs.

Role in Tissue Repair and Regeneration

It aids in the renewal of our tissues because it is instrumental in the division of affected cells and the surmounting formation of new tissue layers.

Role in Reproduction (Mitosis vs. Meiosis)

In mitosis, cytokinesis splits the parent cell into two daughter cells which are required for growth and repair. During The meiosis process, cytokinesis occurs after both phases, and four genetically different haploid gametes are produced to enhance the process of sexual reproduction.

Common Errors and Anomalies

The errors are discussed below:

Examples of errors during Karyokinesis

Nondisjunction is another phenomenon that takes place when chromosomes do not segregate in the right manner when the cell is dividing. This may cause the formation of an unequal ratio of chromosomes in daughter cells that leads to genetic diseases, for example, down syndrome in human beings.

Examples of errors during Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis failure occurs when the cytoplasm and or some of the organelles do not divide to the middle and segregate into the daughter cells. This can lead to the formation of multinucleate cells or cells of sizes that are not normal which affects their performance and may cause diseases such as cancer.

Consequences of errors in Cell Division

Mistakes that occur in a cell division can sometimes cause cellular death or cancer and tumour formation that grows in the organism.

Mutations and faults caused by the mistakes in the staking of cells can also influence the general well-being and physiological efficiency of organisms, they can grow, expand, and reproduce improperly.

Also Read:

Meiosis I	Meiosis II
Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis	Cell Cycle
Eukaryotic Cells	Prokaryotic Cells

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if karyokinesis occurs without cytokinesis?

When karyokinesis takes place without cytokinesis, the outcome is the formation of a multinucleate cell or when more than one nucleus is located in the same cytoplasmic area. This process, called syncytium, is possible in some tissues due to the cells’ development or at stages of certain diseases.

2. How does cytokinesis differ in animal and plant cells?

In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of cleavage furrows around the existing equator that divide the cell into two daughter cells. This process is initiated with the help of a contractile ring consisting of the actin filaments and myosin motor proteins.

On the other hand, the cytokinesis of plant cells involves a cell plate, which is made of a series of vesicles that include the cell wall material that consolidates at the middle of the dividing cell. In this method, the synthesis of a new cell wall is possible and grows between the two daughter cells.

3. What are the roles of microtubules in karyokinesis?

Some of the important functions of microtubules are observed during the karyokinesis, which is the process of forming mitotic spindle – the apparatus that organises the chromosomes during the process of cell division.

Metaphase is characterised by the microtubules attaching themselves to the chromosomes at the kinetochore whereafter these are positioned at the center of the cell. At anaphase, the microtubules start to retract and this helps in the separation of the two sister chromatids to the two poles of the cell.

4. Why is cytokinesis important after karyokinesis?

Karyokinesis is followed by cytokinesis because cytokinesis draws the process of cell division to a close by splitting the two newly formed daughter cells. If cytokinesis does not occur, instead of one nucleus in one cell, multiple nuclei will be in a cell disrupting the cellular organisation and functionality.

Correct cyokinesis lays the foundation for the creation of two individual daughter cells; genetically and in terms of their organelles; and is critical to the normal cellular physiological functions and tissue homeostasis.

5. Can errors in karyokinesis or cytokinesis lead to cancer?

Yes, mistakes in karyokinesis or cytokinesis can lead to cancer because cancerous cells split again and again. Any mishap at the microtubule level such as the chromosomal nondisjunction during karyokinesis can result in aneuploidy in the daughter cells.

Thus, when cytokinesis is improper or partial, the newly divided cell may be of different size than the parent cell and may contain more than one nucleus which is characteristic of cancer cells. Such mistakes can interfere with regular growth regulation activators, thus becoming a basis for the out-of-control proliferation of cells which is one of the hallmarks of cancer.

6. Why does karyokinesis typically occur before cytokinesis?

Karyokinesis occurs first to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. This allows for the equal distribution of chromosomes before the cytoplasm divides during cytokinesis.

7. What role does the mitotic spindle play in karyokinesis?

The mitotic spindle is crucial for karyokinesis as it helps align chromosomes at the cell's equator during metaphase and separates sister chromatids during anaphase, ensuring proper distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.

8. What is the significance of the metaphase plate in karyokinesis?

The metaphase plate is the imaginary line at the cell's equator where chromosomes align during metaphase. This alignment is crucial for the proper separation of genetic material during anaphase and subsequent stages of cell division.

9. How do microtubules contribute to both karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

Microtubules form the mitotic spindle during karyokinesis, helping to separate chromosomes. In cytokinesis, they help position the cleavage furrow in animal cells and guide the formation of the cell plate in plant cells.

10. How does cytokinesis ensure proper distribution of organelles to daughter cells?

While cytokinesis primarily divides the cytoplasm, it also helps distribute organelles between daughter cells. This process is not always precisely equal but ensures each new cell has the necessary components to function.

11. Can karyokinesis occur without cytokinesis?

Yes, karyokinesis can occur without cytokinesis. This results in multinucleated cells, such as skeletal muscle cells or some fungal cells. However, cytokinesis cannot occur without karyokinesis in normal cell division.

12. What happens if errors occur during karyokinesis?

Errors in karyokinesis can lead to chromosomal abnormalities in daughter cells, such as aneuploidy (incorrect number of chromosomes) or structural chromosome aberrations. These can result in genetic disorders or cell death.

13. How do checkpoint mechanisms ensure proper coordination between karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

Cell cycle checkpoints, particularly the spindle assembly checkpoint, ensure that karyokinesis is completed correctly before cytokinesis begins. This coordination prevents the formation of daughter cells with incomplete or damaged genetic material.

14. How does the timing of cytokinesis differ between mitosis and meiosis?

In mitosis, cytokinesis typically occurs after each round of karyokinesis. In meiosis, cytokinesis usually occurs after both meiosis I and meiosis II, although in some organisms, it may only occur after meiosis II.

15. How does cytokinesis differ in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells undergo a simpler form of cytokinesis called binary fission, where the cell membrane pinches inward to divide the cell. Eukaryotic cells have more complex mechanisms involving either contractile ring formation or cell plate assembly.

16. How does the nuclear lamina change during karyokinesis?

The nuclear lamina, a network of proteins lining the inner nuclear membrane, disassembles during prophase of karyokinesis. This allows the nuclear envelope to break down and facilitates chromosome access by the mitotic spindle.

17. What is the role of kinetochores in karyokinesis?

Kinetochores are protein structures on chromosomes that attach to microtubules of the mitotic spindle. They play a crucial role in chromosome alignment during metaphase and separation during anaphase of karyokinesis.

18. What is the function of cohesins during karyokinesis?

Cohesins are proteins that hold sister chromatids together from S phase until anaphase of karyokinesis. Their controlled release allows for the proper separation of chromosomes during cell division.

19. What is the role of the nuclear pore complex during karyokinesis?

Nuclear pore complexes disassemble during prophase of karyokinesis, allowing the nuclear envelope to break down. They reassemble during telophase, reforming the nuclear envelope around the separated chromosomes in each daughter cell.

20. How do cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate the transition from karyokinesis to cytokinesis?

Cyclins and CDKs regulate the progression of the cell cycle, including the transition from karyokinesis to cytokinesis. Specific cyclin-CDK complexes activate proteins involved in initiating cytokinesis after the completion of chromosome segregation.

21. What is the main difference between karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

Karyokinesis is the division of the cell nucleus, while cytokinesis is the division of the cell cytoplasm. Karyokinesis occurs during mitosis or meiosis, whereas cytokinesis happens after nuclear division to complete cell division.

22. How does cytokinesis contribute to the maintenance of ploidy in cells?

Cytokinesis ensures that the cytoplasmic contents are divided between two daughter cells following karyokinesis. This process maintains the correct ploidy (number of chromosome sets) in cells by creating two separate entities with their own nuclei.

23. What is the role of Aurora kinases in karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

Aurora kinases are enzymes that play multiple roles in cell division. They contribute to centrosome function and spindle assembly during karyokinesis, and also regulate contractile ring formation and function during cytokinesis.

24. What is the function of the midbody during cytokinesis in animal cells?

The midbody is a structure that forms at the end of cytokinesis in animal cells. It contains remnants of the mitotic spindle and helps complete the separation of daughter cells by facilitating the final stage of membrane fusion.

25. What is the significance of chromosome decondensation during telophase of karyokinesis?

Chromosome decondensation during telophase allows the DNA to return to its extended, functional state. This process is necessary for gene expression and normal cellular functions to resume in the newly formed daughter cells.

26. What proteins are involved in the contractile ring formation during cytokinesis in animal cells?

The contractile ring in animal cells is primarily composed of actin and myosin filaments. These proteins interact to create the force necessary to pinch the cell membrane and divide the cytoplasm during cytokinesis.

27. How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through a process called cleavage, where a contractile ring pinches the cell in two. In plant cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cell plate at the cell's center, which grows outward to form a new cell wall.

28. What is the significance of the cleavage furrow in animal cell cytokinesis?

The cleavage furrow is the indentation of the cell membrane that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells. It deepens to eventually separate the cytoplasm into two daughter cells, completing cell division.

29. How do plant cells form the cell plate during cytokinesis?

Plant cells form the cell plate through the fusion of vesicles containing cell wall materials. These vesicles are directed to the cell's center by the phragmoplast, a structure composed of microtubules and actin filaments.

30. What is the role of the phragmoplast in plant cell cytokinesis?

The phragmoplast is a plant-specific structure that forms during late anaphase and telophase. It guides vesicles containing cell wall materials to the cell's center, facilitating the formation of the cell plate during cytokinesis.

31. What are the main stages of karyokinesis?

The main stages of karyokinesis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These stages involve chromosome condensation, alignment at the cell's equator, separation of sister chromatids, and reformation of nuclear membranes.

32. How does the nuclear envelope change during karyokinesis?

The nuclear envelope breaks down during prophase of karyokinesis, allowing the mitotic spindle to access and interact with chromosomes. It then reforms around the separated chromosomes during telophase.

33. How do chromosomes behave during karyokinesis?

During karyokinesis, chromosomes condense, align at the cell's equator, and then separate as sister chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell. This ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

34. What is the role of centrosomes in karyokinesis?

Centrosomes serve as microtubule-organizing centers during karyokinesis. They help form the mitotic spindle and determine the poles to which chromosomes will be pulled during anaphase.

35. What is the relationship between the cell cycle and karyokinesis?

Karyokinesis is a part of the M phase (mitosis) of the cell cycle. It is preceded by the S phase, where DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material after karyokinesis.

36. How does cytokinesis contribute to cell differentiation in multicellular organisms?

Cytokinesis can result in asymmetric cell division, where daughter cells receive different amounts or types of cytoplasmic components. This asymmetry can lead to cell differentiation and is crucial for development in multicellular organisms.

37. What role does the Golgi apparatus play in cytokinesis?

The Golgi apparatus contributes to cytokinesis by providing membrane components for the expanding cell membrane in animal cells. In plant cells, it supplies vesicles containing cell wall materials for cell plate formation.

38. How do telomeres protect chromosomes during karyokinesis?

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect them from degradation and fusion during karyokinesis. They ensure that genetic material remains intact as chromosomes are separated and distributed to daughter cells.

39. What is the significance of chromosome condensation during karyokinesis?

Chromosome condensation during prophase of karyokinesis compacts the DNA, making it easier to transport chromosomes without tangling or breaking. This process is crucial for the accurate segregation of genetic material.

40. How do motor proteins contribute to chromosome movement during karyokinesis?

Motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin, interact with microtubules of the mitotic spindle to generate forces that move chromosomes. They are essential for chromosome alignment in metaphase and separation in anaphase.

41. How does the concept of polar relaxation contribute to cytokinesis in animal cells?

Polar relaxation refers to the softening of the cell cortex at the poles during cytokinesis in animal cells. This process, combined with equatorial contraction, helps drive the formation of the cleavage furrow.

42. What is the role of calcium ions in cytokinesis?

Calcium ions play a crucial role in cytokinesis by activating various enzymes and proteins involved in the process. In animal cells, they help regulate contractile ring assembly and function. In plant cells, they contribute to cell plate formation.

43. How do septins contribute to cytokinesis in animal cells?

Septins are a family of proteins that form filaments at the cell cortex during cytokinesis in animal cells. They help organize the contractile ring, regulate its contraction, and contribute to the final separation of daughter cells.

44. What is the significance of the preprophase band in plant cell division?

The preprophase band is a ring of microtubules that forms before prophase in plant cells. It marks the future site of cell division and helps determine the orientation of the new cell wall during cytokinesis.

45. What is the role of the central spindle during cytokinesis?

The central spindle, also known as the spindle midzone, forms between separating chromosomes during anaphase and telophase. It plays a crucial role in cytokinesis by helping to position the cleavage furrow and guide vesicle trafficking for membrane addition.

46. How do membrane trafficking pathways contribute to cytokinesis?

Membrane trafficking pathways, involving the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, provide additional membrane material to the cell surface during cytokinesis. This is crucial for increasing the surface area of the dividing cell and forming new plasma membranes.

47. What is the significance of the contractile ring's disassembly at the end of cytokinesis?

The disassembly of the contractile ring at the end of cytokinesis is crucial for completing cell separation. It allows for the final fusion of plasma membranes and ensures that daughter cells can fully separate and function independently.

48. How does the spindle assembly checkpoint relate to the coordination of karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

The spindle assembly checkpoint ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the mitotic spindle before anaphase begins. This checkpoint helps coordinate karyokinesis and cytokinesis by preventing premature cytoplasmic division before chromosome segregation is complete.

49. How does the concept of the "abscission checkpoint" relate to cytokinesis?

The abscission checkpoint is a mechanism that delays the final separation of daughter cells during cytokinesis if chromosome segregation errors are detected. This checkpoint helps prevent the formation of cells with abnormal chromosome content.

50. How do microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) contribute to karyokinesis?

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) play crucial roles in karyokinesis by regulating microtubule dynamics, stability, and organization. They help form and maintain the mitotic spindle, ensuring proper chromosome alignment and separation.

51. How does the orientation of the mitotic spindle influence cytokinesis?

The orientation of the mitotic spindle determines the plane of cell division during cytokinesis. This is particularly important in developmental processes and tissue organization, where the orientation of cell division can influence cell fate and tissue architecture.

52. What is the significance of sister chromatid cohesion during karyokinesis?

Sister chromatid cohesion, maintained by cohesin proteins, is crucial for proper chromosome alignment during metaphase of karyokinesis. It ensures that sister chromatids remain together until anaphase, allowing for their accurate separation to opposite poles.

53. What is the role of the centralspindlin complex in cytokinesis?

The centralspindlin complex is a key regulator of cytokinesis. It helps organize the central spindle, recruits proteins necessary for contractile ring assembly, and contributes to the activation of RhoA, a protein crucial for contractile ring function.

54. How does the concept of "chromosome passenger complex" relate to the coordination of karyokinesis and cytokinesis?

The chromosome passenger complex is a group of proteins that relocalize from chromosomes to the cell equator during the transition from metaphase to anaphase. This complex plays crucial roles in both chromosome segregation during karyokinesis and the initiation of cytokinesis.

55. What is the significance of membrane remodeling during cytokinesis?

Membrane remodeling during cytokinesis involves the addition of new membrane material and the reorganization of existing membranes. This process is crucial for increasing the surface area of the dividing cell, forming the cleavage furrow, and ultimately separating the daughter cells.