Differentiate between Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis.
Topic: Karyokinesis and cytokinesis
Answer
KARYOKINESIS is the division of the NUCLEUS — it takes place in four stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and occurs first.
CYTOKINESIS is the division of the CYTOPLASM, which follows karyokinesis and completes the formation of two separate daughter cells.
The words themselves give the answer: KARYO- means nucleus and CYTO- means cell or cytoplasm; -KINESIS means movement or division.
THE LOGIC of the order: the nucleus must be divided and the two sets of chromosomes separated BEFORE the cytoplasm can be split, otherwise a daughter cell might end up with no nucleus at all.
The last row of the table is worth including because it is examined separately: cytokinesis differs between plant and animal cells — a CELL PLATE forms from the centre outwards in a plant, while an animal cell is pinched by a FURROW from the periphery inwards. Karyokinesis is identical in both.
| Point of difference | Karyokinesis | Cytokinesis |
|---|---|---|
| What divides | The nucleus | The cytoplasm |
| Stages | Four (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) | No stages |
| Order | Occurs first | Follows karyokinesis |
| Method | Same in plant and animal cells | Cell plate in plants, furrowing in animals |