Question

Predict what would happen if you treat cells with chemicals that block cytokinesis. Describe what you think the cells would look like.

Answer 1

Cell division is characterized by two important processes called the karyokinesis followed by the cytokinesis. Karyokinesis refers to the division of the nucleus which is followed by the division of the cytoplasm called the cytokinesis. In animal cells, it is by the formation of a cleavage furrow and in plant cells it is by the formation of a cell plate.  Cytokinesis results in the formation of two daughter cells. If the cells are treated with chemicals that block cytokinesis, the seperation of cells is not possible leading to the formation of abnormally large sized cells, each containing two nuclei or sometimes can be multinucleated.