Which phase completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Interphase

Answer: (C)

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division that finishes the process by splitting the cytoplasm into two separate cells. After the nucleus has divided during mitosis (or meiosis in sexual reproduction), cytokinesis physically separates the cytoplasm. In animal cells, a contractile ring pinches the cell membrane in, forming a cleavage furrow that splits the cell. In plant cells, vesicles gather at the center to build a cell plate that becomes separating cell membranes and walls. The other stages involve the nucleus or prep work: mitosis handles nuclear division, meiosis is nuclear division that reduces chromosome number for gametes, and interphase is the growth and DNA replication period before division. So, the phase that completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm is cytokinesis.