Telophase is the fifth and final phase of mitosis, the process that separates the duplicated genetic material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. During telophase, the replicated, paired chromosomes have been separated and pulled to opposite sides, or poles, of the cell. A nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes to separate the nuclear DNA from the cytoplasm. The chromosomes begin to uncoil, which makes them diffuse and less compact. The cell also undergoes a process called cytokinesis that divides the cytoplasm of the parental cell into two daughter cells. The following are the key events that occur during telophase:
- Chromosomes arrive at the cell poles.
- The mitotic spindle disassembles.
- Vesicles that contain fragments of the original nuclear envelope reform around each set of chromosomes.
- The chromosomes begin to decondense and become less compact.
- Two new nuclei form, one for each set of chromosomes.
- Nuclear membranes and nucleoli reappear.
Overall, telophase marks the end of mitosis and the beginning of cytokinesis, which completes the process of cell division.
