What is the final phase of mitosis, occurring after the chromosomes have separated and the cell seals off?

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Anaphase

Answer: (C)

Telophase is the final phase of mitosis. After the sister chromatids have been pulled to opposite poles during the previous stage, the chromosomes arrive at the poles and begin to de-condense back into threadlike form. A new nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, creating two separate nuclei within the cell, and the nucleolus reappears inside each new nucleus. The mitotic spindle disassembles as this phase ends. This sets the stage for cytokinesis, which completes cell division by physically separating the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. The earlier stages—prophase (chromosomes condense and spindle forms), metaphase (chromosomes align at the center), and anaphase (sister chromatids separate)—all come before telophase.