Final answer:
The cytoskeleton indeed carries out both mitosis and cytokinesis, facilitating the separation of chromosomes and the division of the cell into two daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the cytoskeleton carries out both mitosis and cytokinesis is indeed true. The cytoskeleton, a complex and dynamic network of protein fibers, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating key events during cell division.
During mitosis, microtubules, a component of the cytoskeleton, form the mitotic spindle. This spindle apparatus is crucial for the accurate segregation of chromosomes. Microtubules attach to the centromeres of chromosomes and, through dynamic movements, ensure that sister chromatids are pulled apart and distributed to opposite poles of the dividing cell. The spindle fibers not only participate in chromosome movement but also contribute to the overall structural organization of the dividing cell.
Subsequently, during cytokinesis, the cytoskeleton is instrumental in the physical division of the cell. Actin microfilaments, another component of the cytoskeleton, play a central role in the formation of the contractile ring. This ring, positioned just beneath the cell membrane, contracts in a manner akin to a purse string, leading to the pinching off of the cell membrane. The end result is the formation of two distinct daughter cells, each containing a nucleus and a portion of the cytoplasm.
In essence, the cytoskeleton serves as the cellular scaffold that underlies both mitosis and cytokinesis. Its dynamic elements, including microtubules and microfilaments, provide the mechanical framework necessary for the intricate processes of chromosome segregation and cell division. The coordinated actions of the cytoskeleton ensure the faithful transmission of genetic material and the generation of genetically identical daughter cells during cell division.