Moderate

The proteins which become activated during cytokinesis are:

Correct answer: C. Actin and myosin

  • A. Globulin
  • B. Fibrin
  • C. Actin and myosin
  • D. Hemoglobin

Explanation

Actin and myosin proteins are actively involved in cytokinesis, the process by which the cytoplasm of a parent cell is divided into two daughter cells following nuclear division (mitosis or meiosis). During cytokinesis, actin and myosin work together to contract the cell's cytoskeleton and divide the cell into two separate daughter cells. This process occurs in both animal cells (where actin and myosin form the contractile ring) and plant cells (where actin and myosin help guide the formation of the cell plate).Here's how actin and myosin contribute to cytokinesis:1. **Formation of the Contractile Ring:** In animal cells, during late anaphase or telophase of mitosis, a contractile ring composed of actin filaments forms just beneath the cell membrane at the equatorial region of the cell. Myosin II motor proteins are associated with actin filaments and form bipolar filaments within the contractile ring.2. **Contraction of the Contractile Ring:** Once formed, myosin II motors bind to actin filaments and hydrolyze ATP to generate force. This force causes the actin filaments to slide past each other, constricting the diameter of the contractile ring. As the contractile ring contracts, it pinches the cell membrane inward, gradually forming a cleavage furrow.3. **Cleavage Furrow Formation:** The continuous contraction of the contractile ring results in the deepening of the cleavage furrow, which eventually divides the cytoplasm of the parent cell into two daughter cells. The cleavage furrow progresses inward until it completely separates the cell into two distinct daughter cells.4. **Completion of Cytokinesis:** Once the cleavage furrow has fully ingressed, the two daughter cells are physically separated from each other, each containing a nucleus and a portion of the parent cell's cytoplasm. Cytokinesis is complete, and the two daughter cells continue with their respective cellular processes.In summary, actin and myosin proteins are active during cytokinesis to facilitate the constriction of the contractile ring, the formation of the cleavage furrow, and ultimately the division of the parent cell into two daughter cells. This process ensures the proper distribution of cellular components and genetic material to each daughter cell, allowing for the continuation of cellular life cycles.

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