Which statement best describes telophase?

• A. The chromosomes become longer, thinner, and less distinct; the nuclear membrane forms; the nucleolus reappears; cell division is nearly complete
• B. Chromosomes are separated to opposite poles
• C. Chromosomes line up at the center
• D. The cytoplasm divides across the cell

Answer: (A)

Telophase is the stage of mitosis where two new nuclei begin to form around the separated chromosome sets. The chromosomes uncoil, becoming longer, thinner, and less distinct as they return to a threadlike form. A nuclear membrane re-forms around each group of chromosomes, and the nucleolus reappears within each new nucleus. Cytokinesis often starts during this stage and completes cell division by dividing the cytoplasm, yielding two separate daughter cells. This description matches telophase, while the other options describe metaphase (chromosomes lined up at the center), anaphase (chromosomes moved to opposite poles), and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division) respectively.