Dynamic Force Balances and Cell Shape Changes during Cytokinesis

During the division of animal cells, an actomyosin ring is formed in the cell cortex. The contraction of this ring induces shape changes of the cell and the formation of a cytokinesis furrow. In many cases, a cell-cell interface forms that separates the two new cells. Here we present a simple physical description of the cell shape changes and the dynamics of the interface closure, based on force balances involving active stresses and viscous friction. We discuss conditions in which the interface closure is either axially symmetric or asymmetric. We show that our model can account for the observed dynamics of ring contraction and interface closure in the C. elegans embryo.