Karyokinesis vs. Cytokinesis

Key Differences

Comparison Chart
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Main Function
Steps
Divides
Dependency

Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis Definitions
Karyokinesis
Cytokinesis
Karyokinesis
Cytokinesis
Karyokinesis
Cytokinesis
Karyokinesis
Karyokinesis
What is Karyokinesis?
Karyo means “nucleus” and kinesis mean “synthesis or division.” Karyokinesis means nucleus division. It is defined as the process by which the nucleus of the cell divide into two and separately moves toward each side of the cell. A cell first undergoes karyokinesis in the division in which one nucleus is divided into two nuclei, and then the further division proceeds in the process of cytokinesis. In karyokinesis, condensation of DNA occurs, the chromosomal content divided equally or half in each nucleus and passed to the next generation or daughter cells. In this process, the first metaphase occurs and is followed by anaphase. Finally, telophase takes place in which nuclear membrane reappears from the center of nucleus dividing it into two. During this place nucleus content of cell under division increases, nucleus became large and convoluted before depletion. The interesting thing is that karyokinesis can take place without cytokinesis.
What is Cytokinesis?
Cyto means “cytoplasm, ” and kinesis mean “synthesis or division.” Cytokinesis means cytoplasmic division. It is defined as the process by which the cytoplasm of the cell divide into two and separately move toward each side cell resulting in the splitting of the cell into two. A cell first undergoes karyokinesis in the division in which one nucleus is divided into two nuclei, and then the further division proceeds in the process of cytokinesis in which cytoplasm of cell divide. In cytokinesis, all the cytoplasm and organelles of the mother cell move to each daughter cell and divide. Metaphase is the second step of cytokinesis. Remember that cell first undergoes karyokinesis in the division and then proceeds to cytokinesis, this shows us that cytokinesis is dependent on karyokinesis to occur first. Before cytokinesis cell size increases, and finally when it divide into two daughter cells, its size reduces and after development the daughter cells attain normal size.