Karyokinesis vs. Cytokinesis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
Karyokinesis refers to the division of a cell's nucleus during cell division, while cytokinesis is the division of the cell's cytoplasm. Karyokinesis ensures genetic material is evenly split, and cytokinesis results in two separate cells.
Difference Between Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Karyokinesis is the process by which a cell's nucleus divides during the process of cell division. Cytokinesis, on the other hand, is the division of the cell's cytoplasm and the creation of two new daughter cells. While karyokinesis deals primarily with the nucleus and genetic material, cytokinesis focuses on the division of cellular components outside the nucleus.
In terms of sequence, karyokinesis usually precedes cytokinesis. In most cases, the nucleus must be divided before the cytoplasm can be equally distributed into the two new cells. This ensures that both cells inherit the same genetic material. Cytokinesis then follows to complete the cell division process.
Grammatically, both "karyokinesis" and "cytokinesis" function as nouns. These terms are most often used in scientific contexts, particularly in biology and medicine. While "karyokinesis" comes from the Greek words "karyon," meaning nucleus, and "kinesis," meaning movement, "cytokinesis" comes from "cyto," meaning cell, and "kinesis."
Karyokinesis is critical for the proper inheritance and distribution of genetic material. If errors occur during karyokinesis, it may lead to genetic mutations. Cytokinesis, conversely, is important for the actual physical separation of the dividing cell, making it critical for growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms.
Comparison Chart
Biological Focus
Nucleus division
Cytoplasm division
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Sequence in Division
Precedes cytokinesis
Follows karyokinesis
Grammatical Use
Noun
Noun
Origin of Term
Greek "karyon" + "kinesis"
Greek "cyto" + "kinesis"
Importance
Genetic distribution
Cell separation
Compare with Definitions
Karyokinesis
A phase in cell division.
Karyokinesis is often followed by cytokinesis.
Cytokinesis
Responsible for cell separation.
Cytokinesis is critical for growth and repair.
Karyokinesis
Responsible for genetic material separation.
Errors in karyokinesis can lead to mutations.
Cytokinesis
Creates two daughter cells.
The end result of cytokinesis is two new cells.
Karyokinesis
Division of a cell's nucleus.
Karyokinesis ensures each daughter cell gets identical genetic material.
Cytokinesis
A term used in biology and medicine.
Cytokinesis is studied to understand tissue regeneration.
Karyokinesis
A term used in biology and medicine.
Studies in karyokinesis help understand genetic diseases.
Cytokinesis
Division of a cell's cytoplasm.
Cytokinesis results in two physically separate cells.
Karyokinesis
Division of a cell nucleus during mitosis.
Cytokinesis
A phase in cell division.
Cytokinesis usually follows karyokinesis.
Karyokinesis
See mitosis.
Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis () is the part of the cell division process during which the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell divides into two daughter cells. Cytoplasmic division begins during or after the late stages of nuclear division in mitosis and meiosis.
Karyokinesis
(biology) The process of change that takes place during the division of a cell nucleus at mitosis or meiosis.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm of a cell following the division of the nucleus.
Karyokinesis
The indirect division of cells in which, prior to division of the cell protoplasm, complicated changes take place in the nucleus, attended with movement of the nuclear fibrils; - opposed to karyostenosis. The nucleus becomes enlarged and convoluted, and finally the threads are separated into two groups which ultimately become disconnected and constitute the daughter nuclei. Called also mitosis. See Cell development, under Cell.
Cytokinesis
(biology) The process in which the cytoplasm of a cell divides following the division of the nucleus.
Karyokinesis
The changes that occur in the nucleus of a cell, especially movements of the chromosomes, in the process of cell division.
Cytokinesis
Organic process consisting of the division of the cytoplasm of a cell following karyokinesis bringing about the separation into two daughter cells
Karyokinesis
Organic process consisting of the division of the nucleus of a cell during mitosis or meiosis
Karyokinesis
Precedes cytokinesis in most cell divisions.
After karyokinesis is complete, cytokinesis begins.
Common Curiosities
What is Karyokinesis?
Karyokinesis is the division of a cell's nucleus during cell division.
Why is Karyokinesis important?
Karyokinesis ensures proper distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.
Which comes first, Karyokinesis or Cytokinesis?
Karyokinesis usually precedes cytokinesis.
Can errors in Cytokinesis cause problems?
Yes, errors in cytokinesis can lead to abnormal cell division.
What is Cytokinesis?
Cytokinesis is the division of the cell's cytoplasm during cell division.
How do Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis differ?
Karyokinesis deals with the nucleus, while cytokinesis deals with the cytoplasm.
Why is Cytokinesis important?
Cytokinesis results in the physical separation of two new cells.
Is Cytokinesis a noun?
Yes, cytokinesis is a noun.
What is the origin of the word Cytokinesis?
The term "cytokinesis" comes from the Greek words "cyto" (cell) and "kinesis" (movement).
What is the origin of the word Karyokinesis?
The term "karyokinesis" originates from the Greek words "karyon" (nucleus) and "kinesis" (movement).
What field studies Cytokinesis?
Biology and medicine frequently study cytokinesis.
Can errors in Karyokinesis cause problems?
Yes, errors in karyokinesis can lead to genetic mutations.
What field studies Karyokinesis?
Biology and medicine often study karyokinesis.
Are Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis always sequential?
Usually, but there are exceptions in some specialized cells.
Is Karyokinesis a noun?
Yes, karyokinesis is a noun.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
