Cell Cycle and Cell Division – Solutions

1. What is the average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell?

Solution:

The average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell is approximately 24 hours.

2. Distinguish cytokinesis from karyokinesis.

Solution:

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, whereas karyokinesis is the division of the nucleus. In cell division, karyokinesis is followed by cytokinesis. Cytokinesis may not follow karyokinesis in some cells, and it leads to multinucleate condition. In animal cells, cytokynesis starts with the appearance of a furrow in the plasma membrane, which extends and deepens, and finally joins at the centre, thus dividing the cytoplasm into two. In plant cells, the formation of the cell wall starts in the centre of the cell with the formation of a cell plate. During cytokinesis, the organelles get distributed in the daughter cells.