Which process completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm into two separate daughter cells?

• A. Interphase
• B. Prophase
• C. Metaphase
• D. Cytokinesis

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is finishing the physical split of the cell after the genetic material has been divided. Cytokinesis is the process that completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm into two separate daughter cells. It follows mitosis, which handles the equal distribution of chromosomes, but cytokinesis is the step that actually separates the cytoplasmic contents and leaves two distinct cells.

In animal cells, a contractile actin ring pinches the cell membrane inward, forming a cleavage furrow that splits the cell into two. In plant cells, vesicles coalesce at the center to build a cell plate, which becomes a separating cell wall and divides the cytoplasm. Once cytokinesis finishes, two genetically identical daughter cells emerge and the cycle can start anew with growth and eventual DNA replication during the next interphase.