Which statement describes cytokinesis in animal cells?

• A. No centrosomes present; a cell plate forms
• B. Cleavage, 2 daughter cells separate
• C. The chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends
• D. Chromosomes line up at the cell equator

Answer: (B)

Cytokinesis in animal cells finishes cell division by splitting the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. After the chromosomes have been segregated, an actin-based contractile ring just beneath the plasma membrane tightens, creating a cleavage furrow that pinches the membrane inward until the cell divides. This is how two genetically identical daughter cells arise in animals. The other descriptions refer to events in mitosis: one describes the chromosomes moving to opposite poles (anaphase), and the other describes chromosomes aligning at the cell’s equator (metaphase). In plants, cytokinesis happens differently, through building a cell plate, not a cleavage furrow, so that part doesn’t apply to animal cells.