What does cytokinesis refer to in the cell cycle?

Cytokinesis is the process that specifically refers to the division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells. This occurs after the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, which includes the distribution of genetic material to daughter nuclei during mitosis.

During cytokinesis, the cell physically splits, resulting in two distinct, separate cells that each contain a complete set of organelles and cytoplasmic components. This process ensures that each daughter cell has the necessary materials to function independently. In animal cells, cytokinesis typically involves the formation of a contractile ring that pinches the cell membrane, while in plant cells, it involves the construction of a cell plate that eventually becomes a new cell wall.

The other concepts mentioned, such as separation of sister chromatids and condensation of chromosomes, are integral parts of mitosis rather than cytokinesis, while the formation of the nucleus is related to the re-establishment of nuclear envelope post-mitosis and does not pertain to the definition of cytokinesis.