Karyokinesis

Definition

Karyokinesis is the process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells during cell division. It ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Karyokinesis occurs in four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. It is a part of mitosis and meiosis, which are the two types of eukaryotic cell division.
3. Karyokinesis precedes cytokinesis, the actual splitting of the cytoplasm and cell membrane.
4. Proper spindle formation is crucial for accurate karyokinesis to ensure equal chromosome distribution.
5. Errors in karyokinesis can lead to aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Review Questions

• What are the four stages of karyokinesis?
• How does karyokinesis differ between mitosis and meiosis?
• Why is spindle formation important during karyokinesis?

Related terms

Cytokinesis: The process following karyokinesis that divides the cytoplasm and cellular contents into two daughter cells.

Mitosis: A type of cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells.