Telophase

Definition

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis, where the chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell and begin to de-condense back into chromatin. During this phase, nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two distinct nuclei within the cell. Telophase plays a crucial role in ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic material as the cell prepares for cytokinesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of separated chromosomes, allowing for the restoration of the nucleus in each daughter cell.
2. Telophase is often accompanied by cytokinesis, which physically divides the cytoplasm and completes the process of cell division.
3. The chromosomes start to de-condense back into chromatin during telophase, making them less visible under a microscope compared to their condensed state in earlier stages.
4. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms during telophase to help separate the two daughter cells, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms.
5. Telophase ensures that each daughter cell has an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic consistency across generations.

Review Questions

• How does telophase contribute to the overall process of mitosis?
  • Telophase is critical as it marks the conclusion of mitosis by ensuring that each set of chromosomes is encased in its own nuclear envelope at opposite ends of the cell. This phase allows for the re-establishment of two distinct nuclei within the dividing cell. Without telophase, there would be no proper separation and protection of genetic material in the daughter cells, potentially leading to issues such as genetic imbalance.
• Compare and contrast telophase in plant and animal cells during mitosis.
  • In telophase of animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms to pinch the cell membrane inward and help separate the two daughter cells. Conversely, in plant cells, a cell plate develops between the dividing nuclei, which later becomes the new cell wall. Both processes aim to complete cytokinesis and ensure that each resulting daughter cell has a complete set of chromosomes encapsulated within a nuclear envelope.
• Evaluate the importance of telophase in maintaining genetic integrity during cellular reproduction.
  • Telophase plays a vital role in maintaining genetic integrity as it ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes through the reformation of nuclear envelopes. By allowing chromosomes to de-condense into chromatin after proper segregation, it prevents potential errors in genetic material distribution. This careful process safeguards against mutations and maintains consistency in genetic information across generations, which is essential for proper functioning and development of organisms.

Related terms

Mitosis: A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, involving stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Cytokinesis:

The process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells, completing cell division.

Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which condenses to form visible chromosomes during cell division.