What is the role of cytokinesis in the cell cycle?

Cytokinesis is the process that occurs at the end of cell division, specifically following mitosis or meiosis. Its primary role is to physically separate the cytoplasm and the various organelles between the two newly formed daughter cells. This division ensures that each daughter cell receives an appropriate share of cellular components, allowing them to function properly.

During cytokinesis, the cell membrane pinches inwards around the middle of the cell, a process often described as 'cleavage'. In plant cells, a cell plate forms down the center of the cell, ultimately leading to the formation of a new cell wall between the two daughter cells. This step is crucial because without proper cytokinesis, the cells may end up with an uneven distribution of cytoplasm and organelles, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and other complications.

DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, not during cytokinesis, and anchoring of chromosomes happens during metaphase. The synthesis of ribosomes occurs in the nucleolus, which is a separate process from cytokinesis. Thus, the focus on the division of the cytoplasm and organelles into two distinct daughter cells highlights the essential function of cytokinesis in the cell cycle.