National League for Nursing (NLN) Science Practice Exam

During plant cell replication, what is the division of the cytoplasm called?

1. Cytohydrolysis

2. Cytokinesis

3. Plasmolysis

4. Cytoplasmosis

The correct answer is: Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm during plant cell replication is called cytokinesis. This process occurs after mitosis, when the cell physically separates into two daughter cells. In plant cells, cytokinesis is characterized by the formation of a cell plate, which eventually develops into the cell wall, dividing the cell into two distinct, separate cells. Cytokinesis is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell receives the appropriate amount of cytoplasm and organelles necessary for functioning. This distinguishes it from other processes like plasmolysis, which refers to the shrinkage of the cytoplasm away from the cell wall in a hypertonic environment, and is not involved in cell division. The terms cytohydrolysis and cytoplasmosis are less commonly used in this context and do not accurately describe the process of cytoplasmic division during cell replication. Thus, understanding the specific role and mechanics of cytokinesis helps clarify its importance in the overall process of cell division.