What does cytokinesis refer to during the M phase?

Cytokinesis is the process that occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle, specifically after the stages of mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell splits into two daughter cells. This division ensures that each daughter cell receives an adequate amount of cytoplasmic components, organelles, and necessary molecules to function independently.

During cytokinesis, structures such as the contractile ring form, leading to the physical separation of the two new cells. This is separate from the events of mitosis where the genetic material is divided; mitosis specifically refers to the processes of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase that culminate in the division of the nucleus and the segregation of chromosomes.

Understanding cytokinesis is essential because it is a pivotal point where two new viable cells are formed after the complex processes of duplication and genetic division.