telofase

Telofase, or telophase in English, is the final stage of mitosis in many eukaryotic cells. During telophase, the chromosomes that were separated at the poles de-condense and return to their thread-like form, signaling the near completion of karyokinesis. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each group of chromosomes, and the nucleolus reappears within the newly formed nuclei. The spindle apparatus disassembles as its role in chromosome movement ends.

Telophase is typically followed by cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, which completes cell division. In animal cells, a contractile actin ring forms a contractile ring that produces a cleavage furrow, constricting the cell membrane to split the cell into two daughter cells. In plant cells, vesicles derived from the Golgi fuse at the center of the cell to build a cell plate, which develops into separating cell walls and ultimately partitions the daughter cells.

Although telophase is often described as the final phase of mitosis, the processes of division frequently overlap with cytokinesis. Telophase thus marks a transition from chromosome segregation and nuclear reassembly to the physical separation of the cytoplasm and the birth of two genetically identical daughter cells. Proper execution of telophase ensures restoration of separate nuclei and sets the stage for cell cycle re-entry.