Telophase
Telophase is the final stage of nuclear division in which two sets of chromosomes arrive at opposite poles of the cell and nuclear envelopes reform around each set. Chromosomes begin to decondense back into chromatin, the spindle apparatus disassembles, and nucleoli reappear in the new nuclei. Telophase is immediately followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm to complete the formation of two daughter cells.
Key Events of Telophase
| Event | Description | Occurs in Mitosis | Occurs in Meiosis I | Occurs in Meiosis II |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear envelope reforms | New nuclei encapsulate chromosomes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chromosome decondensation | Chromosomes relax into chromatin | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Nucleolus reappears | Ribosome production resumes | Yes | Variable | Yes |
| Spindle disassembly | Microtubules depolymerize | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Followed by cytokinesis | Cytoplasm divides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Related Terms
Anaphase
Anaphase is the stage of cell division during which sister chromatids are pulled apart by shortening spindle fibers and migrate toward opposite poles of the cell. In mitosis, cohesion proteins between sister chromatids are cleaved, allowing each chromatid (now called a chromosome) to move to a pole. Anaphase is the shortest phase of mitosis and is driven by the depolymerization of spindle microtubules and motor proteins such as dynein.
Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the physical process of cytoplasmic division that follows telophase and separates the two daughter nuclei into two distinct cells. In animal cells, a contractile ring of actin and myosin filaments forms a cleavage furrow that pinches inward until the cell splits. In plant cells, a cell plate grows outward from the center of the cell toward the plasma membrane, eventually forming a new cell wall between the two daughter cells.
Interphase
Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division. It is divided into three subphases: G1 (first gap), in which the cell grows and synthesizes proteins; S phase (synthesis), in which DNA replication occurs; and G2 (second gap), in which the cell continues to grow and prepares the machinery for mitosis. Despite appearing inactive under a microscope, interphase is metabolically the most active period of a cell's life.
From Greek "telos" meaning end and "phasis" meaning appearance; named because it represents the concluding stage of nuclear division before the cell physically splits.