Which stage completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm?

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

Answer: (D)

Dividing the cytoplasm happens in cytokinesis, the stage that completes cell division. After the chromosomes have been separated during mitosis, the cell must physically split its cytoplasm to form two distinct daughter cells. In animal cells, an actin contractile ring pinches the cell membrane inwards, creating a cleavage furrow that splits the cytoplasm. In plant cells, vesicles derived from the Golgi coalesce at the center to form a cell plate, which eventually develops into separating cell walls. The other stages deal with different parts of the division process: prophase involves chromosome condensation and spindle formation, metaphase aligns chromosomes in the middle, and telophase sees nuclei reform around the separated chromosome sets. Cytokinesis may overlap with telophase and is the step that finalizes the creation of two separate cells.